A Test in Context: Lipid Profile, Fasting Versus Nonfasting

Abstract

Fasting for >8 h, as previously required for lipid profiles, normally only occurs a few hours before breakfast. By contrast, the nonfasting state predominates most of a 24-h cycle and better captures atherogenic lipoprotein levels. Plasma contains atherogenic lipoproteins of hepatic origin in the fasting state and additionally those of intestinal origin in the nonfasting state. Maximal mean changes for random, nonfasting versus fasting levels are +26 mg/dl for triglycerides, –8 mg/dl for total cholesterol, –8 mg/dl for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, +8 mg/dl for remnant cholesterol, and –8 mg/dl for non–high-density lipoprotein cholesterol; lipoprotein(a), apolipoprotein B, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are largely unaffected. For patients, laboratories, and clinicians alike, nonfasting lipid profiles represent a simplification without negative implications for prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic options for cardiovascular disease prevention. Several societies' guidelines and statements in Denmark, the United Kingdom, Europe, Canada, Brazil, and the United States endorse nonfasting lipid profiles.

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