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 according to ATP III classification 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

Other laboratory tests

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.

Approach

Hyperlipidemia

Triglycerides > 75th Percentile

NO

Type IIa

YES

Types I, IIb, IV, V

Total Cholesterol/Apo B ratio ≥ 6.2

NO

Types IIb, IV