What is a Lipid Panel?
A lipid panel, also known as a lipid profile or complete cholesterol test, is a blood test to measure the levels of lipids or fats in your body called cholesterol and triglycerides.
Generally, a lipid panel test measures four types of fats in your blood:
- Total cholesterol: This measures your overall cholesterol level.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: This type of cholesterol is known as “bad cholesterol” as it can accumulate in your blood vessels and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: This type of cholesterol is known as “good cholesterol” as it helps reduce the accumulation of LDL cholesterol in your blood vessels.
- Triglycerides: Excessive levels of this type of fat are connected with pancreatic inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Indications for a Lipid Panel
Lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides) are essential for cell health. However, having excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood can result in the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to blocked or narrowed arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis). This can cause damage and increase your risk of cardiovascular conditions. Because of this, physicians usually recommend a lipid panel test to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease, heart attack (myocardial infarction), and stroke.
Lipid panels are also used as a tool to:
- Diagnose other disorders such as pancreatitis or fatty liver.
- Monitor the progression of hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) if you had abnormal lipid panel tests before.
- Monitor the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering drugs if you are already on treatment for hyperlipidemia.
Who is a Good Candidate for a Lipid Panel?
You are a good candidate for a lipid panel if:
- You are obese
- You are a smoker
- You have diabetes or hypertension
- You eat an unhealthy diet
- You have a family history of heart disease
- You are a male over the age of 45 or a female over the age of 50
Preparation for a Lipid Panel
Some lipid tests require fasting, meaning you should not drink or eat anything other than water prior to your test, while others do not. Your physician will inform you whether you need to fast and how long before your test you should stop eating. Not following your physician’s instructions can result in inaccurate results. Some medications may alter the results of your test as well, so it is crucial to inform your physician about any medications you are taking prior to your test. Being sick or under high stress may also affect the outcome of your lipid panel.
How is a Lipid Panel Performed?
A lipid panel test is a simple blood test usually performed in a clinic or medical office. During the test, you will be seated in a comfortable chair. A healthcare professional or a nurse will check your upper arms for an easily accessible vein. This is usually in the inner part of your upper arm on the other side of your elbow. Once a vein is located, an elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm to make the vein swell with blood. The site of needle insertion at the vein is cleaned with an antiseptic solution. A small needle is then inserted into your vein and the required sample of blood is drawn out. You may feel a slight stinging sensation when the needle goes in and out of your skin. The extracted blood sample is collected in a vial or test tube and preserved for laboratory analysis. A cotton gauze is applied over the insertion site as the needle is withdrawn to control bleeding. A small bandage is placed over the insertion site after the procedure is complete. The entire process takes around five minutes or less.
How to Interpret the Results of the Lipid Panel Test?
The lipid levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood. The normal values for different types of lipids are as follows:
- Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL; less than 70 mg/dL for individuals with diabetes
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: More than 60 mg/dL
- Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
The values of different lipids determine if you are at a low, borderline, intermediate, or high risk of developing cardiovascular problems. Typically, higher than normal LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol levels indicate increased risk. Depending on your test results, your healthcare provider will decide whether you need lifestyle changes or medicines to lower your cholesterol.