Lipid / Cholesterol Panel

A lipid panel, also known as a cholesterol panel, is a blood test that measures various types of fats in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. This test provides information about your risk for heart disease and helps determine if you have abnormal levels of cholesterol that may require treatment.

A lipid panel typically includes the following measurements:

1. Total cholesterol: This is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol.

2. LDL cholesterol: This is the "bad" cholesterol that can build up in the walls of your arteries and lead to heart disease.

3. HDL cholesterol: This is the "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL cholesterol from your arteries and lower your risk of heart disease.

4. Triglycerides: This is another type of fat in your blood that can increase your risk of heart disease if elevated.

Results of a lipid panel are usually reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Your healthcare provider will interpret the results and determine if any further action or treatment is necessary based on your individual risk factors and health profile.