Blood lipid tests to be performed during a general health check

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Ho Viet Le Diem - General Internal Medicine - Department of Examination & Internal Medicine - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.

Dyslipidemia is one of the important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. However, unlike age and sex, this is a completely modifiable risk factor. Therefore, performing a blood lipid test when going to a general health check-up and controlling blood fat levels is a way to prevent diseases, ensure quality of life and prolong life in the future.

Dyslipidemia is a condition in which plasma concentrations of cholesterol metabolites are higher than normal values. Along with hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, this is a fairly common chronic metabolic disorder, which increases the process of atherosclerosis, damages target organs such as the heart, brain, kidney.
Indeed, many studies show that when there is hyperlipidemia, this is the main cause of increased atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. At this point, treatment to lower cholesterol levels will significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.

Cholesterol is a blood lipid present in cell membranes and is a precursor to bile acids and steroid hormones. Cholesterol travels in the blood as separate particles containing both lipids and proteins (lipoproteins). Among the metabolic products of cholesterol, the two main types of lipoproteins found in serum are low-molecular-weight lipoproteins (LDL-C) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL-C).
LDL-C makes up 60-70% of total serum cholesterol, contains a single apolipoprotein named apo B-100 (apo B). LDL-C is the major atherogenic lipoprotein and has been identified as the primary target in cholesterol-lowering therapy.
HDL-C accounts for 20-30% of total serum cholesterol. The main apolipoproteins of HDL-C are apo A-I and apo A-II. HDL-C levels are negatively correlated with the risk of coronary heart disease. Some evidence suggests that HDL-C has a protective role against atherosclerosis.

The third type of lipoprotein is chylomicron, which is rich in triglycerides. They are produced in the small intestine and appear in the blood after a fatty meal. However, the main source of triglycerides is synthesized by two routes: in the liver, adipose tissue and in the small intestine. Many studies show an association between triglyceride levels and coronary heart disease.
Precisely for the above reasons, in clinical practice, a physician's blood lipid test is a quantitative test of total cholesterol, HDL-C, LDL-C and triglyceride levels in standard units of millimol/Lit (mmol). /L) or milligrams/deciliter (mg/dL). However, some test devices can indirectly calculate LDL-C levels through existing parameters, using the following formula:
LDL-C = total cholesterol - HDL-C - triglycerides/2 ,2 (if values ​​are in mmol/L) LDL-C = total cholesterol - HDL-C - triglycerides/5 (if values ​​are in mg/dL)

Because blood lipid levels are related to meals, the ideal time to do this is when the patient has fasted for 12 hours, usually in the morning after waking up. Any blood draw or when the patient has eaten may result in pseudohyperlipidemia.
Abnormal thresholds and disturbance levels for each index in blood lipid testing are presented in the following table:

As the material life and level of knowledge are constantly improving, regular health check-ups are essential for everyone to have the opportunity to live longer and live healthier.
Indeed, by taking the initiative to go for a general health check-up even before there are any abnormal signs, through visiting, examining and performing screening tests, doctors can help Identify early warning signs. Especially dyslipidemia or metabolic syndrome in general, when detected at an early stage, treatment can be more effective, more successful and proactive in preventing cardiovascular events for patients. .

With the goal of comprehensive health care in general and cardiovascular health in particular, Vinmec International General Hospital system builds General Health Checkup Packages, with many different options suitable for each patient. customer image. The package is for all families, especially for middle-aged members when the risk factors for atherosclerosis due to dyslipidemia have gradually formed.
When customers come to check, Vinmec's team of professional and experienced doctors will welcome and thoughtfully inquire about current uncomfortable symptoms, personal medical history and family history. In addition, the factors of lifestyle, diet, weight, exercise, smoking and drinking... will also be taken care of by the doctors in order to provide a suitable approach.
For customers from middle age or if it is found that the customer has high risk factors for dyslipidemia, the doctor will appoint paraclinical tests to evaluate and screen. The system of facilities, machines and testing equipment at Vinmec is modern, up to international standards and of international quality in order to bring customers the most accurate results.

Accordingly, blood lipid level test is one of the subclinical for underlying cardiovascular disease. If located at high levels, this will be a factor in atherosclerosis, causing heart attacks and strokes. At this time, the patient will be treated with lipid-lowering drugs and scheduled to evaluate the effectiveness after at least three months. In cases where treatment goals are not achieved, drug adjustment by increasing dose or drug combination will be considered.
What should be noted when testing blood lipids is that patients need to fast for at least 12 hours to get accurate results. At the same time, other screening tests also need to be performed at the same time as blood lipid tests such as blood sugar, liver and kidney function.
Doctor Ho Viet Le Diem has more than 10 years working in the Department of Resuscitation - Cardiac Surgery at Cho Ruong Hospital with the position of cardiologist and Open Heart Resuscitation. And has more than 03 years as a General Internal Medicine doctor at Family Medical Practice in Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, Dr. Diem is working at the Internal Medicine Department - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital.