Lipid Panel

This panel includes:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol – LDL is called “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in the walls of arteries, reducing blood flow. A high level of LDL is a risk factor for heart disease.
• Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol – VLDL carries triglycerides in the body and is then converted to LDL. Elevated VLDL is a risk factor for heart disease.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol – HDL is called “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess LDL cholesterol. A high level of HDL lowers risk for heart disease.
• Total cholesterol – Total cholesterol is the total of all cholesterol components, including LDL, VLDL, and HDL. A high level of total cholesterol increases risk for heart disease.
• Triglycerides – Triglycerides are primarily made up of stored fat from food sources. A high triglyceride level is a risk factor for heart disease.

What's it used for?

The lipid panel is used to:

• Help assess the risk of developing heart disease
• Monitor existing conditions and measure the effectiveness of certain treatments.

The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the American Heart Association (AHA) and American College of Cardiology (ACC) recognize regular lipid screening as an important factor in assessing risk for coronary heart disease.^1-3

The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommend screening for lipid disorders in:^4,5

• ALL men beginning at age 35
• Women who are at increased risk for heart disease beginning at age 45.

The USPSTF and AAFP recommend that people with known risk factors for heart disease—such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and people who smoke—consider screening at younger ages (as early as 20 in some cases).^4,5