Lipoprotein Electrophoresis Test
Lipoprotein Electrophoresis Test
Lipoprotein electrophoresis is a laboratory procedure that separates and evaluates the components of lipoproteins present in a patient's blood sample based on size, density, and/or electrical charge. It provides a comprehensive look at the lipoproteins in the blood, enabling doctors to identify patterns associated with a higher risk of developing heart disease in the future.
Lipoproteins are a collection of proteins and lipids (fats) that transport cholesterol throughout the body. Lipoproteins are classified into four types based on their density: LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein), HDL (High Density Lipoprotein), VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein), and chylomicrons.
Individuals with diabetes or obesity often have elevated levels of lipoproteins, including small, dense LDL and VLDL particles, which heightens the risk of arterial blockages, blood clots, and the development of conditions such as atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke.
What is the Lipoprotein Electrophoresis Test Used For?
A doctor might request a Lipoprotein electrophoresis analysis
To evaluate a patient’s statistical risk of developing heart diseases and stroke
To determine the nature of dyslipoproteinemia (elevated lipoprotein) in patients with diagnosed heart disease
To confirm the abnormal results of lipid profile test
To monitor the progression of hyperlipidemia in person who had high cholesterol on a prior lipid panel test or after a previous cardiac event like a heart attack or stroke
Symptoms of Heart diseases
Symptoms of heart disease can vary and may include
Chest pain and shortness of breath
Feeling of dizziness or unexplained loss of consciousness
Swelling in the lower body, especially the legs
Nausea and vomiting
Elevated blood pressure
Severe headaches
Excessive tiredness
Difficulty in sleeping
Heartburn
Preparation for Test
No specific preparation is required to undergo lipoprotein electrophoresis. However, inform your doctor beforehand about the medications and supplements you take or any underlying medical conditions or allergies you may have.
Interpretation of Test Results
The results of lipoprotein electrophoresis reflect the patient’s total LDL-cholesterol, VLDL, and/or HDL-cholesterol and are interpreted as follows:
Positive (abnormal) results
This report suggests that your blood sample has a high level of VLDL, LDL/bad cholesterol, or a low level of HDL/good cholesterol, which could put you at a higher risk of developing heart issues such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart attack (myocardial infarction), or stroke.
Negative (Normal) results
This report suggests the sample has normal levels of lipids but does not necessarily rule out the health risk.
FAQs
Are there any risks associated with lipoprotein electrophoresis?
Since the test is carried out on the blood sample, there are minimal risks related to the collection. You may have swelling, tenderness, slight pain, or excessive bleeding at the needle insertion site and, on extremely rare occasions, infection. However, most symptoms go away quickly.
What is the normal value for lipoprotein electrophoresis test?
The normal value of lipids separated during electrophoresis is as follows:
|
HDL |
60mg/dl or higher |
|
LDL |
Less than 100 mEq/dl |
|
VLDL |
Less than 30mg/dl |
|
Apo A1 |
110-160mg/dl |
|
|
110-205 mg/dl |
|
Apo B |
Less than 130 mg/dl |
Can I eat and drink normally before the test?
Normally, you can eat and drink before this test. But follow your doctor's instructions.
What health conditions can affect my lipoprotein levels?
If you have conditions like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, and hypothyroidism, they can affect your lipoprotein levels. Also, certain medications can influence your cholesterol levels.
Are there limitations to this test?
It is important to remember that lipoprotein electrophoresis is a research method, not a diagnostic investigation. While it assists doctors in determining a patient's risk of developing heart disease, it cannot forecast disease severity.
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