Hyperlipoproteinemia laboratory findings

Lipoprotein Disorders Microchapters
Patient Information
Overview
Causes
Classification Hyperlipoproteinemia Hypolipoproteinemia
Treatment

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Laboratory Findings

Complete lipid profile

The US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP III) suggests screening asymptomatic individuals with a complete fasting lipid profile every 5 years. Obtain complete lipid profile after 9 to 12-hour fast. The reference values for making the diagnosis and risk stratification are depicted below:

Levels of total cholesterol (mg/dl)
<200	Desirable
200-239	Borderline high
≥240	High

Levels of LDL cholesterol (mg/dl)
<100	Optimal
100-129	Near optimal
130-159	Borderline high
160-189	High
≥190	Very high

Levels of HDL Cholesterol (mg/dl)
<40	Low
≥60	High

Levels of serum triglycerides (mg/dl)
<150	Normal
150-199	Borderline high
200-499	High
≥500	Very high

For careful medical evaluation, must take into consideration all medications (both prescription and over-the-counter medications) and perform following tests to rule out secondary hyperlipidemias:

• Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone
• Liver function tests
• Serum creatinine
• Urinalysis

Other tests that may be done include: Studies of cells called fibroblasts to see how the body absorbs LDL cholesterol Gene or receptor analysis for the defect associated with this condition