Lipid (Cholesterol) Panel (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides)

Lipids Panel: Evaluates the risk for developing atherosclerosis (arterial plaque) and coronary heart disease. This test includes: Total Cholesterol, Triglycerides , HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio

This test requires fasting for 8 hours.

There are typically no symptoms or indicators of high cholesterol.

Getting your cholesterol examined is the only way to determine if you have high cholesterol. Your medical team can measure your cholesterol levels using a quick blood test known as a "lipid profile."

How Does a Cholesterol Test Work?

A quick blood sample is necessary for the cholesterol screening test. Before your cholesterol test, you might need to fast (go without food or liquids) for eight to twelve hours. Ask your doctor for advice on how to get ready for the examination.

The Lipid Profile Panel Measures the Following Tests:

• LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol, is a low-density lipoprotein. High LDL cholesterol levels can cause plaque to build up in your arteries, which can cause heart disease or stroke.

 

• HDL, also referred to as "good" cholesterol. Because high levels of HDL can reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke, it is referred to as "good" cholesterol.

 

• Triglycerides are a form of blood fat that your body uses as fuel. Your risk of heart attack and stroke can increase if you have high triglyceride levels along with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol. After eating, the energy that is not needed immediately is converted into triglycerides and transported to fat cells for storage. A normal triglyceride level is about 45-150 mg/dL. Elevated levels (hypertriglyceridemia) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when accompanied by high cholesterol levels. Extremely high triglyceride levels (greater than about 1,000 mg/dL) can cause pancreatitis. Triglycerides should be measured after fasting for at least eight hours.

 

• Total cholesterol, the sum of your blood's HDL, LDL, and triglyceride levels, is the level of cholesterol.  It is a fatty substance that circulates in the blood, cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes, certain hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids. A healthy total cholesterol level is 120-200 mg/dL. Elevated total cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but it is more useful to look at specific types of cholesterol. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) -- so-called "bad" cholesterol -- can deposit cholesterol in artery walls, causing atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). But high-density lipoproteins (HDL) -- so-called "good" cholesterol -- help clear cholesterol from the body and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that people try to achieve a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL, an LDL level below 100 mg/dL, and an HDL level of at least 40 mg/dL.

 

What Does the Lipid Panel Test Results Mean?

Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) is the unit used to measure cholesterol.

Cholesterol levels that are ideal: 150 mg/dL or less total cholesterol

About 100 mg/dL of LDL ("bad") cholesterol

Greater than or equal to 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women for HDL ("good") cholesterol

Triglycerides: 150 mg/dL or less

Although crucial, your cholesterol levels are only one aspect of your general health. Along with your cholesterol levels, your doctor will consider your age, gender, family history, and other aspects of your lifestyle or health that may increase your risk for high cholesterol, such as smoking.

Your doctor can use this comprehensive picture to assess if you should make lifestyle changes or take medication to lower your cholesterol to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

Who Requires a Cholesterol Checkup?

Every four to six years, most healthy persons should have their cholesterol levels examined.

Some people need to have their cholesterol examined more frequently, including those who have diabetes, heart disease, or a family history of high cholesterol. (2)

The recommended minimum number of times to check a child's cholesterol is between the ages of 9 and 11, then again between the ages of 17 and 21. (1)

Discuss your medical history with your medical team, as well as how frequently you should get your cholesterol evaluated.

 

References

1. Grundy SM, Stone NJ, Bailey AL, Beam C, Birtcher KK, Blumenthal RS, et al. 2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2019;139(25):e1082–e1143.
2. HealthFinder.gov. Get Your Cholesterol Checked. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; 2018.

 

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