Topic Overview
A lipid panel is a blood test that
measures
lipids-fats and fatty substances used as a source of
energy by your body. Lipids include
cholesterol,
triglycerides,
high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and
low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
This
panel measures:
- Total cholesterol
level.
- Triglyceride level.
- HDL cholesterol level. This
is the "good" cholesterol.
- LDL cholesterol level. This is the "bad"
cholesterol.
Other measurements that may be done for a lipid panel
include:
- Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol
level.
- The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL.
- The ratio
of LDL to HDL.
Lipids are found in your blood and are stored in tissues.
They are an important part of cells, and they help keep your body working
normally.
Lipid disorders, such as high cholesterol, may lead to
life-threatening illnesses, such as
coronary artery disease (CAD),
heart attack, or
stroke.
Your doctor may order a lipid
panel as part of a regular health examination. Your doctor may use the results
of this test to prevent, check on, or diagnose a medical condition.
You usually need to avoid eating for 10 to 12 hours before this blood
test. You may drink water and take medicines your doctor prescribed during this
time. But avoid drinking liquids other than water.
If your doctor
finds a lipid disorder, treatment may be started to help lower your blood lipid
levels. Your treatment could include medicines, diet changes, weight loss, and
exercise.
For more information, see the medical test
Cholesterol and Triglyceride Tests.
References
Other Works Consulted
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Neil J. Stone, MD, FACC, FACP - Internal Medicine, Cardiology |
| Last Updated | August 16, 2007 |
