Description
A lipid panel test, also called a cholesterol panel blood test, is used to measure the levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood, which helps your doctor assess your risk for heart disease by identifying potential buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries that could lead to cardiovascular issues like stroke or heart attack; essentially, it helps determine if your cholesterol levels are within a healthy range.
Key points about a lipid panel test:
What it measures:
- This test analyzes different types of cholesterol including total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides.
Why it's important:
- High levels of LDL cholesterol, particularly, can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease.
When it might be ordered:
- Routine health checkups, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease like family history, high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking.
- Monitoring the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering medications.
- To diagnose potential underlying conditions impacting cholesterol levels.
Fast recommended.
