Understanding serum lipids is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health and preventing heart disease and stroke.

Serum lipids are fats and fatty substances in the blood and are crucial for various bodily functions, including energy storage, cellular structure, and hormone production. Serum lipids consist of cholesterol, triglycerides, and phospholipids.

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like substance found in all body cells. It is crucial for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that aid digestion. Blood cholesterol comes from two sources: the liver, which makes all the cholesterol the body needs, and dietary intake, which can come from animal products (like meat, eggs, cheese, and milk) and plant-based sources (such as oils and margarine). Total Cholesterol Levels are calculated by adding HDL, LDL, and 20% of the triglyceride level.

Interpretation:

Desirable: Less than 200 mg/dL

Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL

High: 240 mg/dL and above

Clinical Significance: High total cholesterol increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), known as "bad cholesterol.”

Interpretation:

Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL

Near optimal/above optimal: 100-129 mg/dL

Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL

High: 160-189 mg/dL

Very high: 190 mg/dL and above

Clinical Significance: High LDL levels can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good cholesterol," helps remove LDL from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.HDL levels below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women are considered low.

Interpretation:

Low (undesirable): Less than 40 mg/dL (for men), less than 50 mg/dL (for women)

High (desirable): 60 mg/dL and above

Clinical Significance: Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease as HDL helps remove excess cholesterol.

Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol primarily carries triglycerides in the blood. VLDL levels are typically estimated as one-fifth of the triglyceride level.

Interpretation:

Normal: 2-30 mg/dL

Clinical Significance: Elevated VLDL can indicate an increased risk of plaque formation and cardiovascular diseases.

Triglycerides are the most common fat in the body and are used for energy storage. Normal values of triglyceride levels are below 150 mg/dL. High triglyceride levels are linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL cholesterol.

Types:

Endogenous Triglycerides: Produced by the liver from excess carbohydrates and proteins.

Exogenous Triglycerides: Derived from dietary fats.

Interpretation:

Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL

Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL

High: 200-499 mg/dL

Very high: 500 mg/dL and above

Clinical Significance: High triglyceride levels are linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease, especially when combined with low HDL or high LDL cholesterol

Phospholipids are a class of lipids that are a major component of all cell membranes. They contain two fatty acids, a phosphate group, and a glycerol molecule. There is no specific range for phospholipids.

Types:

Lecithin is found in egg yolk and soybeans, used in food processing

Cephalin is found in brain and nerve tissues

Sphingomyelin is found in the myelin sheath of nerve cells.