Lipid Panel
What Is a Lipid Panel?
A lipid panel—also known as a cholesterol test or lipid profile—is a blood test used to measure key markers of cardiovascular health. It checks levels of:
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HDL-C (high-density lipoprotein) – the "good" cholesterol
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LDL-C (low-density lipoprotein) – the "bad" cholesterol
These biomarkers help assess your risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions.
Why Lipid Panel Testing Matters
Heart disease is the leading cause of death globally. A lipid panel test provides essential insights into your cholesterol balance and helps detect risks early—before symptoms appear.
Regular testing is especially important if you:
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Have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease
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Follow a high-fat or high-sugar diet
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Are overweight or physically inactive
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Smoke or drink alcohol regularly
What Your Results Mean
Understanding your lipid panel can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about:
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Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management)
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Preventive medications (such as statins)
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Monitoring existing conditions like hypertension or diabetes
How to Improve Your Lipid Panel Results
Improving your cardiovascular health starts with simple steps:
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Eat heart-healthy foods: more fiber, healthy fats, fewer processed foods
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Exercise regularly: at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week
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Avoid tobacco and limit alcohol intake
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Manage stress and sleep well
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Track your numbers and follow your provider’s guidance
Lipid Panel Testing Frequency
Most adults should have a lipid panel done every 4 to 6 years, but you may need more frequent testing if you:
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Are over age 45 (men) or 55 (women)
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Have existing cardiovascular conditions
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Take medications that affect cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lipid panel used for?
A lipid panel is used to assess your risk for heart disease and stroke by measuring your cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Is fasting required before a lipid panel?
Fasting is often recommended for 9–12 hours before the test, especially if triglycerides are being measured. Always follow your lab or provider's instructions.
What is a normal lipid panel range?
While reference ranges may vary slightly, general goals are:
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Total cholesterol: < 200 mg/dL
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LDL: < 100 mg/dL
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HDL: > 60 mg/dL
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Triglycerides: < 150 mg/dL
Monitor Your Lipid Panel Over Time
Tracking your lipid panel results over time with HealthMatters.io can help detect trends, evaluate treatment effectiveness, and reduce your risk of serious cardiovascular events. At HealthMatters, you can securely upload and analyze your cholesterol test results in one place—empowering you with data-driven insights to take control of your heart health.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
The marker %sdLDL-C refers to the percentage of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in your blood. To understand this, let's break down the components. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all the cells of your body and is n
Learn moreStudies have shown that the ratio of apolipoprotein A-1:apolipoprotein B may correlate better with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) than total cholesterol, and LDL:HDL ratio.
Learn moreApoA-I, or Apolipoprotein A-I, plays a crucial role in understanding heart health and managing potential risks related to cardiovascular diseases. ApoA-I is the main protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood. HDL is often refer
Learn moreApolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fats (lipids) in the body. It is primarily involved in transporting cholesterol and other lipids through the bloodstream to be used, stored, or eliminated. APOE is a
Learn moreThe CHD Risk is based on the T. Chol/HDL ratio. Other factors affect CHD Risk such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes, severe obesity, and family history of premature CHD.
Learn moreFibrinogen is a key marker included in the Inflammation and Oxidation Test panel by Boston Heart Diagnostics, primarily due to its critical role in the body's clotting process and its association with inflammation. Essentially, fibrinogen is a bl
Learn moreGlycomark (1,5-anhydroglucitol) indicates poor control of blood glucose spikes; specifically frequent hyperglycemic events over the past two weeks (not evidentfrom HbA1c). Postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with Cardiovascular disease and
Learn moreMonitoring the HDL % of Total Cholesterol is a valuable tool in assessing cardiovascular health. A higher HDL percentage indicates a more favorable cholesterol profile and a reduced risk of heart disease. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle through pr
Learn moreHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or “good” cholesterol is known to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke by removing “bad” cholesterol from the blood. It is typically assessed through a lipid profile, w
Learn moreThe ratio of high density lipoprotein cholesterol/triglycerides is a calculated measure. Optimal: >0.50 Borderline: 0.25–0.50 Increased Risk: <0.25
Learn moreC-reactive protein (CRP) is a general indicator of inflammation in the body. The inflammation can be acute and caused by infection or injury. Inflammation can also be chronic, which typically points toward more serious diseases. High-sensitivit
Learn moreIDL Cholesterol is a plasma lipoprotein. Cholesterol and triglycerides are insoluble in water and therefore these lipids must be transported in association with proteins. Lipoproteins are complex particles with a central core containing choleste
Learn moreLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a critical biomarker in assessing cardiovascular health, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol due to its association with increased risk of heart disease. LDL-C is one of the primary lipoprotein
Learn moreLDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is the ratio of two types of lipids in the blood. LDL stands for low density lipoprotein or “bad cholesterol” and HDL stands for high density lipoprotein or “good cholesterol.”
Learn moreThe ratio of leptin to adiponectin appears to be a sensitive indicator for a variety of adverse health conditions. Leptin is a hormone produced by adipocytes to provide a satiety signal to the hypothalamus. Elevated circulating levels of leptin ar
Learn moreMPO identifies vulnerable plaque due to the breakdown of cells lining the blood vessels. This breakdown leads to white blood cells attacking the vessel wall and marks the progression of cardiovascular disease. Your result is in the desirable range su
Learn moreYour non-HDL cholesterol result refers to your total cholesterol value minus your HDL cholesterol. Your lipid panel results normally include four numbers: - low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; - high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol;
Learn moreOxidized LDL is LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) that has been modified by oxidation. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation leading to the formation of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL may also play
Learn moreOxidized LDL is LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) that has been modified by oxidation. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation leading to the formation of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL may also play
Learn moreThe PLAC test is used to determine Lp-PLA2 in serum or plasma. Lp-PLA2 stands for Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2. The test is used to determine your cardiovascular risk disease, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke associated with
Learn moreLipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), also known as platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase, is an inflammatory enzyme that circulates bound mainly to low-density lipoproteins and has been found to be localized and enriched in at
Learn moreSmall dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c) has been established to be highly associated with metabolic disorder. Small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c), is a distinct LDL cholesterol subclass, which is associated with raised TG and decreased HDL-c level
Learn moreTotal Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the following equation: HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level. With HDL cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. With LDL c
Learn moreThe total cholesterol /HDL ratio is the proportion of one type of cholesterol to all the other cholesterol in the blood. Total cholesterol includes three substances HDL, LDL, and VLDL.
Learn moreTriglycerides are a type of fat and the primary way our bodies store unused energy. While triglycerides are necessary for a healthy life, excessive amounts can put you at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Typically, a healthcare pr
Learn moreThe Triglycerides to HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Ratio is a metric that is often used in the medical field to evaluate cardiovascular risk. This ratio is calculated by dividing the triglyceride level by the HDL cholesterol level, both of which are
Learn moreThis is a ratio calculated by dividing very low density lipoprotein cholesterol by triglycerides. A high ratio is linked to abnormal lipid metabolism and increased risk of CVD events. Optimal: <0.20 Borderline: 0.20 – 0.30 Increa
Learn moreThe VLDL-C/TG Ratio is a specialized marker used to evaluate your cardiovascular health more accurately. VLDL stands for Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, which is one of the five major types of lipoproteins that transport fats and chole
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