• Published on: Sep 15, 2021
  • 4 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Does A Lipid Panel Test If The Lipid Profile Is High?

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What does a lipid panel test for & What happens if the lipid profile is high?

The lipid panel tests for the number of triglycerides, cholesterol, and HDLC in your bloodstream. Triglycerides are a form of fat produced by the liver during digestion. Cholesterol is a type of fat produced by each cell's mitochondria as part of metabolism and it can be found in your blood vessels too. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) removes fats from the walls of arteries and carries them to the liver where they become low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDLs carry cholesterol that cannot be used to make cells or hormones back into body cells to be recycled back into appropriate tissues such as skin or muscle.

The lipid panel is a list of tests used to determine levels of LDL, triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol in the bloodstream. A blood sample is drawn from the patient to analyze three types of lipids that circulate through your veins: cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The test also measures triglycerides which are a type of fat in the body. There are various diseases that can indicate a potential for heart disease or diabetes by alternating these numbers--so it's important for patients with a family history or other risk factors like diabetes to monitor their numbers closely.

The lipid panel measures the levels of lipids in your body. The results can show if you have a problem with high cholesterol or triglycerides (types of fat) and what medications to use as well as diet adjustments to make to address those problems.

Too much fat in the blood, typically from a fatty acid metabolism disorder. This test measures how many triglycerides and cholesterols are in your bloodstream. The concentration of these molecules varies with a person's phenotype and lifestyle. How likely is it that you have too much fat in your bloodstream? That depends on what your doctor told you after they finished running this test!

A lipid profile test is a blood test that checks the levels of lipids, cholesterol, fatty acids, and triglycerides. As you might already know, high LDL-cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart disease. Fat concentrations are reported on a 'triglyceride' scale. So if your results come back with elevated fatty acid concentrations (and almost all patients who have metabolic syndrome do), then it points to an underlying problem with sugar regulation within the body -- either too much sugar or not enough insulin. Another point worth mentioning is that there are some mutations that make some people very sensitive to sugar accumulation! This is often referred to as Metabolic Syndrome.

Lipid panels is a measurement of triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol. Triglycerides - Your level of triglycerides will typically be higher if you've overeaten or drunk too much alcohol lately. High levels may also indicate diabetes or liver disease. The normal range is less than 95 mg/dL.

High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - HDL particles help carry excess balls of fat from your bloodstream to your liver, where it can be broken down into components that your body can use for energy. Low levels may mean high levels of blood fats (hyperlipidemia), and high levels could mean high-risk factors for heart attacks and

Lipid panels test for cholesterol and triglycerides, which can help diagnose heart disease. The lipid panel (aka lipid blood test) is a series of three tests that measure the levels of fats in your bloodstream. It's done when you get routine blood work at any time during the year, or if you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol or coronary artery disease (CAD). The painless procedure requires only a prick of your finger and some blood wiped on an applicator stick. Your 3 lipids results are "total cholesterol," "high-density lipoprotein" -- HDL ("good") cholesterol," and "low-density lipoprotein" -- LDL("bad”) cholesterol.

The lipid panel includes a cholesterol test, triglyceride test, and LDL/HDL ratio calculation. A lipid panel is the most common blood test for cardiovascular risk. It can also identify diseases such as polymyalgia rheumatica, gout, fungal infections in the heart tissue, or endocarditis - which are all identifiable medical conditions that can lead to sudden death.

A lipid panel tests for cholesterol, triglyceride, particle count, and other samples.

  • The lipid panel will test for three things: Cholesterol level (total)
  • Triglycerides
  • High-density lipoproteins (HDL) Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL) Low-density lipoproteins (LDL).

An optimal lipid panel in a normal patient is a total cholesterol level of less than 200 mg per deciliter combined with an LDL cholesterol of less than 100 mg per deciliter. In addition to the 3 measures mentioned above, there are many others including Apolipoprotein B or Lp(a), calculated remnant cholesterol, and phospholipid

Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and lipoprotein fractions. All of these are markers for cardiovascular disease risk due to how the levels can affect our coronary arteries. A healthy lipid panel has low LDL-C (bad) cholesterol and high HDL-C (good) cholesterol in each percent ratio. The ideal fat distribution is an even 25% in both categories or a 3:1 ratio with more good than bad fats overall for optimum heart health.

If your lipid profile is high, it means your blood contains too much cholesterol and triglycerides. This needs to be monitored because when the levels are high, there's a higher chance that you'll develop diseases like diabetes or heart disease.

A person can have an elevated cholesterol level for many reasons including unhealthy eating habits, family history of elevated cholesterol level, excessive alcohol usage, smoking cigarettes which can elevate one's LDL levels. An abnormal lipid profile may also result from any medications being taken to control obesity or psychiatric disorders, untreated thyroid gland disorder, or liver disease. A heredity condition called familial hypercholesterolemia may necessitate special monitoring in childhood through adulthood with dietician support and medication adjustments as necessary.

If lipids are abnormally high in your blood, it could signify anything from an infection to possible hepatitis. Doctors will typically conduct additional tests to distinguish what's happening or recommend treatments if necessary.

It is usually recommended to have your lipid profile checked annually. Your doctor will check the total amount of cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or "good" cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, and triglycerides in your blood. Your physician may want you to have another test if LDL is greater than 130 mg/dL--or if your good cholesterol HDL is less than 40 mg/dL for men and less than 50 mg/dL for women--as you are at risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease.

If the lipid profile is high, that usually indicates overconsumption of fats or carbs. Many people treat themself to something "bad" when they're feeling down, but while this might temporarily help them feel better about life at the moment, it can worsen their depression in the long term. So if someone starts eating more fat and sugar when they're feeling depressed, then a blood test might end up revealing a high lipid profile. In general, there are two ways elevated lipids could happen: 1) Eating too much fat

2) overeating carbohydrates

There are several potential causes of high lipids, which would need to be diagnosed by a doctor. These can include hyperlipoproteinemia, homozygous familial hyperchylomicronemia, type 1 diabetes mellitus, Cushing's syndrome, and pancreatitis.

A lipid profile measures how much cholesterol is in the bloodstream. It measures total cholesterol levels; high-density lipoprotein (aka "good" cholesterol); low-density lipoprotein (aka "bad" cholesterol); and triglyceride levels. High serum lipid profiles could indicate various conditions like cardiovascular disease or chronic liver disease (i.e., viral hepatitis).

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Health

20% Health Time | A Smarter Way to Build Workplace Wellbeing

Modern workplaces are increasingly recognising that employee health is not separate from performance—it is foundational to it. Long work hours, constant digital connectivity and rising stress levels have led to burnout, lifestyle diseases and declining engagement across industries. In this context, the concept of 20% Health Time has emerged as a forward-thinking approach to workplace wellness.

20% Health Time allows employees to dedicate a portion of their paid working hours specifically to activities that support physical, mental and preventive health. Rather than treating wellness as an after-hours responsibility, this model integrates health directly into the work culture.

 

What Is 20% Health Time?

20% Health Time is a structured workplace initiative where employees are encouraged or allowed to spend approximately one-fifth of their working time on health-related activities.

These activities may include:

  • physical exercise or movement breaks
     

  • mental wellness practices
     

  • health education sessions
     

  • preventive health screenings
     

  • stress management and recovery
     

The core idea is simple: healthier employees perform better and sustain productivity longer.

 

Why Traditional Wellness Programs Fall Short

Many organisations offer wellness benefits such as gym memberships or annual checkups. While valuable, these programs often fail because:

  • employees lack time to use them
     

  • wellness is seen as optional
     

  • participation remains low
     

  • benefits are disconnected from daily work
     

20% Health Time addresses these gaps by embedding wellness into regular work hours.

 

Why Health Time Matters in Today’s Workplace

Rising Lifestyle Disease Burden

Public health data shows increasing rates of:

  • diabetes
     

  • hypertension
     

  • obesity
     

  • mental health disorders
     

These conditions affect working-age adults and directly impact productivity and healthcare costs.

 

Burnout and Mental Fatigue

Constant pressure and lack of recovery time lead to:

  • chronic stress
     

  • disengagement
     

  • absenteeism
     

  • high attrition
     

Health Time creates space for recovery and resilience.

 

Sedentary Work Culture

Desk-bound work contributes to:

  • musculoskeletal problems
     

  • cardiovascular risk
     

  • low energy levels
     

Dedicated health time encourages movement and prevention.

 

How 20% Health Time Benefits Employees

Improved Physical Health

Regular movement and preventive care reduce long-term health risks.

 

Better Mental Wellbeing

Time for mindfulness, rest and stress management improves emotional balance.

 

Higher Energy and Focus

Healthy routines improve concentration and reduce fatigue.

 

Empowerment and Autonomy

Employees feel trusted to manage their wellbeing, increasing engagement.

 

How Employers Benefit from 20% Health Time

Increased Productivity

Healthy employees work more efficiently and make fewer errors.

Reduced Absenteeism

Preventive care lowers sick days and health-related disruptions.

 

Lower Healthcare Costs

Early detection and healthier habits reduce long-term medical expenses.

 

Stronger Employer Brand

Wellbeing-focused policies attract and retain top talent.

 

Sustainable Performance

Health Time supports long-term performance rather than short-term output.

 

Activities That Fit into 20% Health Time

Organisations can tailor activities based on workforce needs:

  • guided fitness or yoga sessions
     

  • walking or movement breaks
     

  • mental health workshops
     

  • preventive health checkups
     

  • nutrition education
     

  • stress and sleep management programs
     

Flexibility ensures inclusivity across roles and work models.

 

Evidence Supporting Health Time Initiatives

Workplace health research consistently shows that:

  • preventive health improves productivity
     

  • employee wellbeing programs reduce burnout
     

  • time invested in health yields measurable returns
     

According to WHO and workplace wellness studies, integrated health initiatives deliver better outcomes than standalone benefits.

 

Addressing Common Concerns

“Will this reduce working hours?”

No. Health Time improves efficiency, offsetting time spent through better performance.

 

“Is it suitable for high-pressure roles?”

Yes. High-stress roles benefit the most from structured recovery time.

 

“How do we measure impact?”

Metrics may include:

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • improved engagement scores
     

  • lower healthcare claims
     

  • better retention
     

 

Implementing 20% Health Time Effectively

Successful implementation requires:

  • leadership support
     

  • clear guidelines
     

  • flexible scheduling
     

  • inclusive activity options
     

  • regular feedback
     

Health Time works best when seen as a cultural shift, not a perk.

 

Long-Term Impact on Organisational Health

Over time, organisations adopting Health Time observe:

  • healthier workforce
     

  • improved morale
     

  • reduced burnout
     

  • stronger team cohesion
     

  • sustainable growth
     

These benefits compound year after year.

 

Conclusion

20% Health Time represents a progressive shift in how organisations view employee wellbeing. By dedicating work time to health, companies acknowledge that productivity and wellbeing are deeply connected. Rather than reacting to burnout and illness, Health Time promotes prevention, balance and resilience. In a future where talent, performance and sustainability matter more than ever, integrating health into the workday is not a luxury—it is a strategic necessity.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle Disease and Work Health Reports

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Workforce Wellbeing Strateg

  •  Lancet – Workplace Wellness and Productivity Studies

  • Harvard Business Review – Employee Wellbeing and Performance Research

  • Statista – Corporate Wellness Trends and ROI Data

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