Lipid Panel

A comprehensive test that measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels to assess cardiovascular disease risk.

6 markers included

Purpose

The lipid panel measures different types of fats in your blood to evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It helps identify high cholesterol, guides treatment decisions, and monitors the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medications.

When to Order

Recommended every 4-6 years for healthy adults starting at age 20. More frequent testing (annually or more often) is recommended if you have risk factors like family history of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or are on cholesterol-lowering medications.

Preparation Instructions

Traditional lipid panels require 9-12 hours of fasting before the blood draw. Water is allowed. Some newer guidelines allow non-fasting tests, but fasting provides the most accurate triglyceride levels. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing.

Included Markers

HDL Cholesterol

mmol/L

Measures "good" cholesterol that helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream.

LDL Cholesterol

mmol/L

Measures "bad" cholesterol that can build up in your arteries.

Total Cholesterol

mmol/L

Measures the total cholesterol level in your blood.

Triglycerides

mmol/L

Measures levels of this type of fat in your blood.

Non-HDL Cholesterol

mmol/L

Measures all cholesterol types except HDL.

HDL % of Total Cholesterol

Measures the percentage of your total cholesterol that is HDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered a healthy LDL cholesterol level?

For most people, LDL under 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) is optimal. For those at high cardiovascular risk, targets may be under 70 mg/dL (1.8 mmol/L) or even lower. Your optimal target depends on your overall risk factors.

Can I eat before a lipid panel?

While fasting was traditionally required, recent guidelines suggest non-fasting lipid panels are acceptable for screening. However, fasting provides more accurate triglyceride readings. Ask your doctor which they prefer.

How quickly can diet improve cholesterol levels?

Dietary changes can show measurable improvements in as little as 3-4 weeks. However, significant changes typically take 2-3 months, which is why retesting is often done 8-12 weeks after making lifestyle modifications.

Why is HDL called "good" cholesterol?

HDL particles help remove excess cholesterol from your arteries and transport it back to the liver for disposal. Higher HDL levels are associated with lower cardiovascular risk, hence "good" cholesterol.

Quick Facts

Markers:6
Fasting:Usually required

Related Conditions

Track Your Results

Track Your Lipid Panel Results

Upload your Lipid Panel results to BloodTrack and monitor all 6 markers over time. Compare results across tests and spot trends early.

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