Definition of Coronary risk profile:

A coronary risk profile is a battery of blood tests to measure your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The profile can help determine your risk for heart disease.

How the test is performed:

Blood is typically drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

Next, the health care provider gently inserts a needle into the vein. The blood collects into an airtight vial or tube attached to the needle. The elastic band is removed from your arm.

Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.

In infants or young children, a sharp tool called a lancet may be used to puncture the skin and make it bleed. The blood collects into a small glass tube called a pipette, or onto a slide or test strip. A bandage may be placed over the area if there is any bleeding.

The blood is sent to a laboratory, where the following are measured:

• Low density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol)
• High density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol
• Total cholesterol
• Triglycerides
• Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL cholesterol)

Additional blood tests, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), may be added to the profile in some laboratories.

How to prepare for the test:

You should not eat or drink anything except water for 9-12 hours before having your blood drawn.

How the test will feel:

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed:

The coronary risk profile is most often done:

• As a screening examination to determine your general health
• To monitor you if you have a history of heart problems or other disorders related to atherosclerosis
• To determine how well diet and medications are controlling your high cholesterol