Diagnostics
Lipid Panel
What is a Lipid panel?
A lipid panel, also known as a lipid profile, is a blood test that measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in blood. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels can contribute to plaque development in arteries, leading to atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries) and increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. The test is used to assess risk for these conditions.
It may also be referred to as a lipid test, cholesterol panel, or coronary risk panel.
Who conducts the lipid panel test?
A laboratory technician will locate a vein in the arm, clean the site, and insert a small needle to draw blood into a vial. The process typically takes a few minutes. The blood sample will be sent to a lab for analysis, and the results may be available within a day. No specific preparation is typically required, but fasting for 10-12 hours before the test may be necessary for accurate results.
What does a lipid panel measure?
A standard lipid panel typically measures the following components
- Total Cholesterol: This is the total amount of cholesterol in blood, including both “good” (HDL) and “bad” (LDL) cholesterol.
- HDL Cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is often called the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- LDL Cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often called the “bad” cholesterol because high levels can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.
- Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat derived from our food. Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with increased heart disease and pancreas inflammation risk.
When an individual should get tested?
The American Heart Association (AHA) suggests that individuals who are 20 years of age or older should have a lipid panel test conducted every four to six years as part of regular health checkups. However, doctors might advise more frequent testing for individuals with specific risk factors.
Some of these risk factors include:
- Age: Men aged 45 years and older and women aged 55 years and older are at an increased risk.
- Family history: Having a family history of early heart disease or high cholesterol increases risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can significantly raise the risk of heart disease and may require more frequent testing.
- High blood pressure: For people diagnosed with hypertension, the doctor may recommend more frequent testing.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and should have regular lipid panel tests.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can contribute to elevated lipid levels and may necessitate more frequent testing.
What are normal lipid panel results?
The optimal levels for each of the standard tests in a lipid panel are as follows:
- Total cholesterol: Ideally, it should be below 200 mg/dL.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Ideally, it should be above 60 mg/dL.
40-60 mg/dL is considered normal. - Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Ideally, it should be below 100 mg/dL. For individuals with diabetes, the target is below 70 mg/dL.
- Triglycerides: Ideally, they should be below 150 mg/dL.
If the results fall outside the target range, they may indicate a higher risk for cardiovascular issues. Higher-than-normal levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and lower-than-normal levels of HDL cholesterol can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
It is important to note that interpreting lipid panel results should be done in consultation with the doctor. They will take into account the individual’s general health, medical background, and additional risk elements to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular issues. Subsequently, they will create a tailored treatment strategy if deemed essential.
Some of these risk factors include:
- Age: Men aged 45 years and older and women aged 55 years and older are at an increased risk.
- Family history: Having a family history of early heart disease or high cholesterol increases risk.
- Smoking: Tobacco use can significantly raise the risk of heart disease and may require more frequent testing.
- High blood pressure: For people diagnosed with hypertension, the doctor may recommend more frequent testing.
- Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and should have regular lipid panel tests.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese can contribute to elevated lipid levels and may necessitate more frequent testing.
References
- Cleveland Clinic. Lipid Panel [Internet]. Cleveland (OH): Cleveland Clinic; c2021 [cited 2023 Jun 24]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/17176-lipid-panel
- Lipid Panel [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [updated 2021 Sep 14; cited 2023 Jun 24]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000386.htm
- American Heart Association. (2020). What your cholesterol level means Available from: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/what-your-cholesterol-levels-mean
- American Heart Association. (2020). Healthy Cholesterol Levels. Available from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol/healthy-cholesterol-levels
