Fat metabolism laboratory test

Cholesterol is produced in the highest amount by the liver in the human body, but some of it is taken in with food. It plays a significant role in the structure of cell membranes. The cholesterol produced by the liver is needed to produce bile.

It is also referred to as “protective” or “good” cholesterol because it transports cholesterol deposited in the blood vessel wall back to the liver where it is broken down.

It is mostly known as “bad” cholesterol. It transports cholesterol from the liver to the cells. When the body accumulates more cholesterol than it needs, the excess cholesterol is deposited in the walls of the blood vessels.

Non-HDL cholesterol levels are obtained by subtracting the HDL cholesterol number from the total cholesterol number. Non-HDL cholesterol contains virtually all “bad” types of cholesterol. Its optimal level is less than 130 milligrams / deciliter (mg / dL) or 3.37 millimoles / l (mmol / l). Higher numbers indicate a higher risk of heart disease.

Low HDL cholesterol levels contribute greatly to the development of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

With elevated LDL-cholesterol as well as total cholesterol levels, the elasticity of the vessel wall decreases, allowing cholesterol to accumulate. Too high a value significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.

Malnutrition (regular consumption of high cholesterol foods)
Taking certain medicines (eg antihypertensives)
Pregnancy
Inherited metabolic disease

Hypercholesterolemia is a severe metabolic disease with much higher than average cholesterol levels.

Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited disease that can be treated not only with diet but also with drugs that regulate cholesterol levels. Treatment of inherited high cholesterol can prevent the development of more serious complications (atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, stroke). Familial hypercholesterolemia is incurable and requires medication throughout the patient’s life.

Triglycerides (neutral fats) are the main components of dietary fats (e.g. butter, lard) that provide energy to our bodies. While some of the fat that enters the body covers energy needs, the remaining, unused portion is stored in adipose tissue. In case of excessive carbohydrate intake, our own body also produces triglycerides.

Normally, triglycerides are only present in small amounts in the blood.

Due to malnutrition, thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism, overactivity), taking certain medications, excessive alcohol consumption, inflammation of the pancreas, and inherited metabolic disease can all contribute to high triglyceride levels.

Hypertriglyceridemia is a severe metabolic disease with high triglyceride levels

Due to very high triglyceride levels, the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease is significantly increased. Medication can be used to prevent the development of more serious complications, furthermore you should avoid bad habits (alcohol, smoking), and begin exercising regularly.

A fat metabolism laboratory test alone is not yet sufficient to make a diagnosis. Depending on the results of the laboratory test, it is recommended to see an internal medicine specialist.