A lipid profile test measures the lipids in the bloodstream most associated with risk of atherosclerosis. Lipids measured with this test include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Originally, this was done by a lengthy ultracentrifugation of serum or plasma, which created zones of particles with different densities. More recently the process has been automated using rapid enzymatic processes that measure total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. In the fasting state, one can then use the Friedwald formula to calculate LDL cholesterol: LDL cholesterol = total cholesterol–HDL cholesterol–triglycerides. The ratio of total cholesterol divided by HDL cholesterol is used to predict the risk of coronary heart disease.

(SEE ALSO: Atherosclerosis; Blood Lipids; Cholesterol Test; HDL Cholesterol; LDL Cholesterol; Triglycerides; VLDL Cholesterol)

— DONALD A. SMITH

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