What i being tested?
This is a Lipid Panel test that measures various types of cholesterol and triglycerides in a person's blood. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is essential for many bodily functions, but high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. This test can help assess a person's risk of cardiovascular disease by measuring levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and calculating ratios between different types of cholesterol.
Reference Range
The Lipid Panel Blood Test measures different levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood to assess the risk of heart disease. For males and females, the total cholesterol level should be less than 170 mg/dL if under 20 years of age and less than 200 mg/dL if over 20 years of age. The HDL cholesterol level should be above 45 mg/dL for those under 20 years of age and above 40 mg/dL for males and 50 mg/dL for females over 20 years of age. The triglycerides level should be less than 90 mg/dL for those aged 10-19 years and less than 150 mg/dL for those over 20 years of age. The LDL cholesterol level should be less than 110 mg/dL if under 20 years of age and less than 100 mg/dL if over 20 years of age. The cholesterol/HDL ratio should be less than 5.0, and the non-HDL cholesterol level should be less than 120 mg/dL for those under 20 years of age and less than 130 mg/dL for those over 20 years of age.
Test Description
What is this test?
A lipid panel blood test is a medical test that measures the levels of different types of lipids or fats in your blood. The lipids that are measured include cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).
Why should you get a lipid panel blood test?
There are several reasons why you should consider getting a lipid panel blood test. First and foremost, the test can help you assess your risk for heart disease. High levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can increase your risk for developing heart disease, which is a leading cause of death in the United States. By getting a lipid panel blood test, you can identify if you have abnormal levels of these lipids and take steps to reduce your risk for heart disease. Additionally, if you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol or other lipid disorders, a lipid panel blood test can help you monitor the effectiveness of your current treatment plan.
What happens if you don't get a lipid panel blood test?
If you don't get a lipid panel blood test, you may be unaware of your risk for heart disease or the effectiveness of your current treatment plan. High levels of cholesterol and other lipids can lead to the development of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of fatty plaques in the arteries. This can ultimately lead to heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problems.
What will you find out from a lipid panel blood test?
A lipid panel blood test will provide you with valuable information about your lipid levels. Your test results will show your total cholesterol level, your LDL cholesterol level, your HDL cholesterol level, and your triglyceride level. These numbers can help you and your doctor determine if you are at risk for heart disease or other health problems. Additionally, this test includes evaluation of the HDL-C ratio, Non-HDL-C (calculated from total cholesterol minus HDL-C), which are essential in assessing cardiovascular risk.
What can you do with this information?
If your lipid panel blood test shows that you have high levels of cholesterol or other lipids, there are several steps you can take to lower your risk for heart disease. These may include making changes to your diet, increasing your physical activity, losing weight if necessary, and taking medication if prescribed by your doctor. By making these changes, you can improve your overall health and reduce your risk for heart disease.