science
Lab Test
Lipid Panel: What Your Cholesterol Results Mean
A lipid panel measures the fats in your blood that affect cardiovascular health. It includes total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. Together, these values assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.
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What It Tests
Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and often the total cholesterol/HDL ratio.
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Why It's Ordered
A lipid panel is used to assess cardiovascular risk, screen for familial hypercholesterolemia, monitor cholesterol-lowering therapy, and guide lifestyle and medication decisions.
Markers in This Test
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast for a lipid panel? expand_more
Yes — fasting for 9–12 hours is required for accurate triglyceride measurement. Total cholesterol and HDL can be measured without fasting.
How often should I get a lipid panel? expand_more
Every 4–6 years for healthy adults over 20. Annually if you have heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure, or are taking cholesterol medication.
What is a healthy cholesterol ratio? expand_more
Total cholesterol to HDL ratio below 4:1 is considered healthy. Below 3.5:1 is optimal. Higher ratios indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
Can lifestyle changes really lower cholesterol? expand_more
Yes — diet changes alone can reduce LDL by 20–30%. Adding regular exercise, weight loss, and quitting smoking can produce significant improvements without medication.
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