Description
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the levels of lipids (fats) in your blood, which are important indicators of cardiovascular health. This test is commonly used to assess risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Components Measured
- Total Cholesterol: Overall amount of cholesterol in the blood. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Often called “bad cholesterol” because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries.
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: Known as “good cholesterol” because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease and pancreatitis.
- Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol: Sometimes included; carries triglycerides and contributes to plaque buildup.
Purpose of the Test
- Assess cardiovascular risk: Helps evaluate the risk of heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis.
- Monitor treatment: Tracks effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medications such as statins.
- Screen for lipid disorders: Detects genetic conditions like familial hypercholesterolemia.
How It Works
- A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually after fasting for 9–12 hours to ensure accurate triglyceride measurement.
- The blood is analyzed for the levels of the above lipids.
Abnormal Results May Indicate
- High LDL or total cholesterol: Increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Low HDL cholesterol: Reduced ability to remove cholesterol from arteries.
- High triglycerides: Increased risk of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, or pancreatitis.
- Combined abnormalities: Suggest higher cardiovascular risk and may require lifestyle or medical intervention.
Fasting Requirement
- Fasting for 9–12 hours is typically recommended, though non-fasting panels are increasingly used for routine screening.
This test is a key tool in evaluating heart health and guiding preventive strategies.
