Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel

This lipid panel (or lipid profile) blood test measures your cholesterol and triglycerides levels to assess your risk for cardiovascular diseases. The lipid profile test works by measuring total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, cholesterol/HDL ratio, and non-HDL. Regular lipid panel testing plays a key role in maintaining both general and cardiovascular health. If the results show you have higher than normal levels of cholesterol, you and your healthcare provider can work together to determine next steps.

No doctor’s visit needed.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in everyone’s blood and is needed to make cell membranes, some hormones, and vitamin D. Cholesterol comes from some animal-based foods, such as eggs, meat, and dairy. It is also produced by the liver. Too much cholesterol in the blood can clog blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other organs. This can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.

Total cholesterol
This measures the total amount of cholesterol found in your blood. This is the combination of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad”) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good”) cholesterol. Too much cholesterol in your blood may damage arteries and blood vessels, which may increase the risk for a stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fats that are formed from foods such as oils, dairy, and red meat. These fats get converted into triglycerides and are stored away in fat cells to be used when needed. High levels of triglycerides can lead to hardening and thickening of the arteries.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
HDL, which is often called "good" cholesterol, picks up extra cholesterol that is circulating in the blood, using apolipoprotein A, and takes it back to your liver so it can be removed from your body.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (calculated)
LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol, transports cholesterol throughout your body to the cells that need it. Too much LDL can make cholesterol build up in your arteries, making them narrow and stiff, or blocking them, which makes it more difficult for blood to flow.

Cholesterol/HDL ratio (calculated)
Cholesterol/HDL ratio is the ratio of HDL to your total cholesterol. A higher ratio means that you don’t have enough HDL for the amount of LDL, and that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Non-HDL cholesterol (calculated)
Non-HDL cholesterol measures the combined amount of cholesterol in the blood that is not HDL cholesterol. High levels of non-HDL cholesterol may increase the risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries).

What's Included

Common Questions