Who should undergo standard lipid profile testing?
Any body above 40 years of age should undergo lipid profile testing, but if you have low HDL and you have family history of heart disease, then it is better to check the size of the LDL cholesterol and also Lp (a). This special test is costly at between $100 – $200, but it is worth doing this testing because it is the only way you can find the type of LDL and you can treat accordingly. Otherwise, the treatment of the LDL would be like shooting in the dark, and it is not very helpful. Homocysteine? Homocysteine is another test that can be done, and has been shown to cause CAD and this can be treated easily, by taking Vitamin B6, B12, and Folic Acid.
