Testing Testing 1, 2....1, 2....

Question 1

Total Cholesterol

Answer 1

What it Detects: Total cholesterol is a measure of all the cholesterol in your blood, including both LDL and HDL cholesterol.

Reference Range: Less than 4.0 mmol/L

Above Range: High total cholesterol can indicate a higher risk for cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, and lipid metabolism disorders.

Below Range: Low levels are less common but can sometimes be associated with malnutrition, liver disease, or hyperthyroidism.

Question 2

LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Answer 2

What it Detects: Known as “bad” cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol to the arteries, where it can build up and form plaques.

Reference Range: Less than 1.8 mmol/L (for high-risk patients)

Above Range: High levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease, and an increased risk of stroke and heart attack.

Below Range: Low LDL levels are often associated with genetic conditions or liver disease. However, it is generally less of a concern unless accompanied by other abnormalities.

Question 3

3. HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Answer 3

What it Detects: Known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream and protects against heart disease.

Reference Range: Greater than 1.2 mmol/L

Above Range: High levels of HDL cholesterol are considered protective against heart disease.

Below Range: Low HDL levels are associated with a higher risk of heart disease and can be influenced by factors like poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking.

Question 4

Triglycerides

Answer 4

What it Detects: Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood that is stored in fat cells and used for energy. High triglyceride levels can lead to plaque formation in arteries.

Reference Range: 0.4 – 1.7 mmol/L

Above Range: Elevated triglyceride levels can indicate an increased risk for heart disease, metabolic syndrome, and diabetes. High levels are often seen in conditions like hypertriglyceridaemia or metabolic syndrome.

Below Range: Low triglyceride levels are uncommon and may be associated with malnutrition, hyperthyroidism, or liver disease.

Question 5

5. Non-HDL Cholesterol

Answer 5

What it Detects: Non-HDL cholesterol includes all the “bad” lipoproteins (LDL, VLDL, etc.) that can lead to atherosclerosis.

Reference Range: Less than 2.5 mmol/L

Above Range: High non-HDL cholesterol is a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and indicates an excess of potentially harmful lipoproteins.

Below Range: Low non-HDL cholesterol suggests a favorable lipid profile, but the focus should always be on a balanced lipid profile with adequate HDL levels.

Question 6

6. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)

Answer 6

What it Detects: Apolipoprotein B is a protein that is a major component of LDL and VLDL. High levels indicate a higher number of atherogenic particles.

Reference Range: Less than 0.9 g/L (for high-risk patients)

Above Range: Elevated ApoB levels suggest an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease due to a higher number of atherogenic particles.

Below Range: Low ApoB levels generally indicate a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, as fewer atherogenic particles are present.

Question 7

7. Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a)

Answer 7

What it Detects: Lipoprotein(a) is a variant of LDL cholesterol. High levels are genetically determined and can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially in combination with other lipid abnormalities.

Reference Range: Less than 30 mg/dL

Above Range: Elevated Lp(a) levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially in people with a family history of heart disease.

Below Range: Low Lp(a) levels are generally normal but may suggest a lower genetic predisposition to atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.

Question 8

ApoA1

Answer 8

What it Detects: Apolipoprotein A1 is the major protein component of HDL. It plays a key role in the cholesterol efflux from tissues to the liver.

Reference Range: 1.0 – 1.8 g/L

Above Range: Higher ApoA1 levels are generally protective against heart disease and suggest a healthier lipid profile.

Below Range: Low ApoA1 levels indicate a higher risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease, as HDL function is impaired.

Question 9

9. CT Angiography (for Atherosclerosis)

Answer 9

What it Detects: CT angiography is used to assess the degree of atherosclerosis in the coronary arteries and identify plaque buildup.

Reference Range: N/A (used for assessment of coronary artery disease)

Above Range: The presence of significant atherosclerosis or plaque buildup in the coronary arteries increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Below Range: No plaque buildup or normal coronary arteries are observed.