Quick Look

A lipid panel, also known as a complete cholesterol test, measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood through a blood test. This test helps assess your risk of developing atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body.

Recognized as an essential tool, a cholesterol test plays a crucial role in identifying the risk of coronary artery disease, with high cholesterol levels often being a significant contributing factor.

Other Common Names for Lipid Panel

Lipid profile.

Lipid test.

Cholesterol panel.

Coronary risk panel.

Fasting lipid panel or non-fasting lipid panel.

Why is a Lipid Panel done?

High cholesterol typically presents no signs or symptoms. A complete cholesterol test is done to determine if your cholesterol is elevated and to assess the risk of heart attacks, heart disease, and vascular diseases.

The test involves determining four types of fats in your blood:

• Total cholesterol represents the overall cholesterol content in your blood.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, is known as the “bad” cholesterol. Elevated levels contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in arteries, reducing blood flow and potentially leading to a heart attack or stroke.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, is referred to as the “good” cholesterol. It aids in transporting away LDL cholesterol, helping to keep arteries open and maintain smoother blood flow.
• Triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. The body converts excess calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with various factors, including obesity, excessive consumption of sweets or alcohol, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, or diabetes with high blood sugar levels.

Who should get a cholesterol test?

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends initiating the first cholesterol screening between the ages of 9 and 11, with subsequent screenings every five years thereafter.

For men aged 45 to 65 and women aged 55 to 65, the NHLBI suggests cholesterol screenings every 1 to 2 years, while individuals over 65 should undergo annual tests. 

Those with abnormal initial results, a history of high cholesterol or heart attacks in the family, overweight, physical inactivity, diabetes, an unhealthy diet, or a smoking habit may require more frequent testing. 

Additionally, individuals undergoing treatment for high cholesterol should undergo regular cholesterol testing to monitor the effectiveness of their treatments.

Do you need to fast for a lipid panel?

For most lipid panel blood tests, don’t eat or drink (except water) for 10 to 12 hours.  In some cases, getting a lipid panel test without fasting is possible. 

Ask your healthcare provider if you need to fast. Follow their instructions.
If you accidentally eat when you’re supposed to fast, inform your provider because the test won’t be as accurate without fasting.

What are the normal results for a lipid panel? 

The optimal levels (measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood — mg/dL) for each of the four standard tests in a lipid panel are as follows:

Total cholesterol: Below 200 mg/dL.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Above 60 mg/dL.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Below 100 mg/dL (For people who have diabetes: Below 70 mg/dL).

Triglycerides: Below 150 mg/dL.

Results outside the target range may be classified as borderline, intermediate, or high-risk for cardiovascular issues. Generally, higher-than-normal levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, and lower-than-normal levels of HDL can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Rarely, malnutrition causes abnormally low cholesterol levels.

What if your results are abnormal?

If your lipid panel results are abnormal, your healthcare provider may suggest the following steps:

• Continuously monitor lipid levels.
• Make lifestyle changes, such as modifying your diet or initiating an exercise routine.
• Begin a cholesterol-lowering medication.

Please note: Receiving an abnormal test result can cause stress. Understand that an abnormal lipid panel result doesn’t automatically require treatment. Your healthcare provider will consider various factors about your health and history to decide the next steps. Together, you will develop a plan that suits you best.

References:

1. (2023). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cholesterol-test/about/pac-20384601 
2. professional, C. C. medical. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17176-lipid-panel