What is a lipid panel and why is it important for your health. How often should you get your cholesterol checked. What do the different cholesterol numbers mean for your cardiovascular risk.

The Importance of Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol testing is a crucial aspect of maintaining cardiovascular health. High cholesterol often presents no symptoms, making regular testing essential for early detection and prevention of heart-related issues. A simple blood test can provide valuable insights into your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular risk.

Types of Cholesterol Tests

The primary test used to measure cholesterol levels is called a lipid panel or lipid profile. This comprehensive test measures several components:

• Total cholesterol level
• Triglyceride level
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level (often referred to as “good” cholesterol)
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level (often called “bad” cholesterol)

In some cases, additional measurements may be included in the lipid panel:

• Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol level
• The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL
• The ratio of LDL to HDL

Preparing for Your Cholesterol Test

Proper preparation is key to ensuring accurate results from your cholesterol test. Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions, which may include fasting for 9 to 12 hours before the test. During this fasting period, you should avoid eating or drinking anything except water.

Can you take medications before a cholesterol test? In most cases, you are allowed to take your regular medications with water on the morning of the test. However, it’s crucial to confirm this with your healthcare provider, as some medications may affect the test results.

Fasting vs. Non-Fasting Tests

While fasting has traditionally been recommended before cholesterol tests, non-fasting tests are becoming more common. Non-fasting tests can provide valuable information about total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. However, for a complete lipid profile, including accurate triglyceride and LDL cholesterol measurements, fasting may still be necessary.

Understanding Your Cholesterol Test Results

Cholesterol test results are typically reported in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). But what do these numbers mean for your health?

Interpreting Cholesterol Levels

Here’s a general guide to interpreting cholesterol levels:

• Total Cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL is considered desirable
• LDL Cholesterol: Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal
• HDL Cholesterol: Higher levels are better, with 60 mg/dL or above considered protective against heart disease
• Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL is normal

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results in the context of your overall health and risk factors.

Factors Affecting Cholesterol Levels

Numerous factors can influence your cholesterol levels, including:

• Diet: Consuming foods high in saturated and trans fats can raise LDL cholesterol
• Physical activity: Regular exercise can help increase HDL cholesterol
• Weight: Being overweight or obese can lower HDL and raise LDL and triglycerides
• Age and gender: Cholesterol levels tend to rise as we age, and men generally have higher levels than women before menopause
• Genetics: Family history can play a role in cholesterol levels
• Medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as diabetes and thyroid disorders, can affect cholesterol levels

The Role of Cholesterol in Cardiovascular Health

Cholesterol plays a vital role in the body, but when levels become imbalanced, it can lead to serious health issues. How does cholesterol affect cardiovascular health?

High levels of LDL cholesterol can contribute to the formation of plaque in the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. This buildup narrows the arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Conversely, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, which is why it’s often referred to as “good” cholesterol.

Beyond Cholesterol: Other Cardiovascular Risk Factors

While cholesterol levels are important, they are just one piece of the cardiovascular health puzzle. Other factors that contribute to heart disease risk include:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Family history of heart disease

Your healthcare provider will consider these factors alongside your cholesterol levels when assessing your overall cardiovascular risk.

Frequency of Cholesterol Testing

How often should you have your cholesterol checked? The American Heart Association recommends that all adults aged 20 or older have their cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every four to six years, as long as their risk remains low.

After age 40, your healthcare provider may use an equation to calculate your 10-year risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This assessment helps determine if more frequent testing or additional interventions are necessary.

Special Considerations for Cholesterol Testing

Certain groups may require more frequent cholesterol testing:

• People with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
• Individuals with existing cardiovascular disease
• Those with risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or high blood pressure
• People taking cholesterol-lowering medications

Your healthcare provider will recommend an appropriate testing schedule based on your individual risk factors and health status.

Managing High Cholesterol

If your cholesterol levels are higher than recommended, your healthcare provider may suggest lifestyle changes or medication to help manage them. What are some effective strategies for lowering cholesterol?

Lifestyle Modifications

Several lifestyle changes can help improve cholesterol levels:

• Adopting a heart-healthy diet low in saturated and trans fats
• Increasing physical activity
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Quitting smoking
• Limiting alcohol consumption

Medications for Cholesterol Management

In some cases, lifestyle changes alone may not be sufficient to manage high cholesterol. Your doctor may prescribe medications such as:

• Statins: These drugs help lower LDL cholesterol and are the most commonly prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications
• Bile acid sequestrants: These medications help remove cholesterol from the body
• Cholesterol absorption inhibitors: These drugs reduce the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food
• PCSK9 inhibitors: These newer medications can dramatically lower LDL cholesterol levels

The choice of medication will depend on various factors, including your overall health, cholesterol levels, and potential side effects.

Advanced Cholesterol Testing

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend advanced cholesterol testing beyond the standard lipid panel. These tests can provide more detailed information about your cholesterol particles and cardiovascular risk.

Types of Advanced Cholesterol Tests

Some advanced cholesterol tests include:

• Apolipoprotein B (apoB) test: Measures the number of particles that carry LDL cholesterol
• Lipoprotein(a) test: Assesses levels of a type of LDL cholesterol that may increase heart disease risk
• LDL particle number test: Counts the number of LDL particles in the blood
• HDL function test: Evaluates how well HDL cholesterol removes cholesterol from the arteries

These tests may be particularly useful for individuals with a family history of early heart disease or those with cholesterol levels that don’t align with their cardiovascular risk.

The Future of Cholesterol Testing and Management

As our understanding of cardiovascular health evolves, so too do the methods for assessing and managing cholesterol levels. What advancements are on the horizon for cholesterol testing and treatment?

Emerging Technologies in Cholesterol Testing

Several innovative approaches to cholesterol testing are being developed:

• Genetic testing to identify individuals at high risk for cholesterol disorders
• Non-invasive imaging techniques to assess arterial plaque buildup
• Artificial intelligence algorithms to predict cardiovascular risk based on multiple factors, including cholesterol levels

Novel Treatments for Cholesterol Management

Research is ongoing into new treatments for managing cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular risk:

• Gene therapy to correct genetic cholesterol disorders
• RNA interference therapies to reduce cholesterol production
• Targeted nanoparticles to remove cholesterol from arterial plaques

These emerging technologies and treatments hold promise for more personalized and effective cholesterol management in the future.

The Importance of Regular Health Check-ups

While cholesterol testing is crucial, it’s just one component of maintaining overall health. Regular health check-ups allow your healthcare provider to monitor various aspects of your health and catch potential issues early.

Components of a Comprehensive Health Check-up

A thorough health check-up may include:

• Blood pressure measurement
• Body Mass Index (BMI) calculation
• Fasting blood sugar test
• Lipid panel
• Thyroid function tests
• Cancer screenings appropriate for your age and risk factors
• Immunization updates

By staying proactive about your health and undergoing regular check-ups, you can work with your healthcare provider to maintain optimal health and reduce your risk of various diseases, including cardiovascular conditions.

Understanding your cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health is a crucial step in maintaining long-term well-being. By staying informed about cholesterol testing, interpreting your results accurately, and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can take control of your heart health and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease. Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to your health, and regular cholesterol testing is an essential tool in your preventive healthcare arsenal.

How To Get Your Cholesterol Tested

An easy and important test

High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. That’s why it’s important to have your doctor check your cholesterol levels with a simple blood test. 

It may be a “fasting” or “non-fasting” lipoprotein profile. Your doctor will tell you if you should fast before your test. (Fasting usually means not eating, drinking certain beverages and taking medications 9 to 12 hours before the cholesterol test.)

In the test, a health care professional takes a sample of your blood. If additional blood tests are needed, all the samples are usually taken at once. Discomfort is usually minor.

After the blood sample is taken, it’s analyzed in a laboratory, where the levels of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are measured. (If you don’t fast, only the values for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol will be usable.) Your test report will show your cholesterol level in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

To determine your cardiovascular risk, your doctor will consider your cholesterol test results in context with your age, sex and family history. Other risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure, will be considered as well. If your risk remains uncertain, and treatment options are unclear, your healthcare professional may consider other factors and/or request a coronary artery calcium (CAC) measurement to provide greater insight into your risk and help in decision-making.

How often should cholesterol be checked?

The American Heart Association recommends that all adults 20 or older have their cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every four to six years as long as their risk remains low. After age 40, your health care professional will also want to use an equation to calculate your 10-year risk of having a heart attack or stroke. 

People with cardiovascular disease, and those at elevated risk, may need their cholesterol and other risk factors assessed more often.

Your doctor will explain what your cholesterol levels mean and can discuss treatment options if your numbers are not where they should be.

Where should cholesterol be checked?

It’s best for your primary care doctor to do the test. As noted, your cholesterol levels represent just one of many factors affecting your cardiovascular health. Your primary care physician will have a fuller understanding of your personal and family history, as well as any other risk factors that might apply.

If your cholesterol is checked at a public screening, they may measure your HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. But if HDL cholesterol isn’t measured, knowing your total cholesterol levels still gives you valuable information. Getting your blood cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and fasting blood sugar measured regularly should be part of your overall personal care plan.

If you obtain cholesterol screening results from a source outside of your doctor’s office, be sure to share those with your primary care physician. Additional data points help to establish your cardiovascular risk. This is particularly important for people who smoke, have other health conditions such as diabetes or inflammatory conditions, or have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or stroke.

Lipid Panel | Michigan Medicine

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.

Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to prepare for this test. If your doctor tells you to fast before your test, do not eat or drink anything except water for 9 to 12 hours before having your blood drawn. Usually, you are allowed to take your medicines with water the morning of the test. Fasting is not always necessary, but it may be recommended. Do not eat high-fat foods the night before the test. Do not drink alcohol or exercise strenuously before the test.

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.

References

Other Works Consulted

• Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2013). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 6th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
• Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
• Stone NJ, et al. (2013). 2013 ACC/AHA guideline on the treatment of blood cholesterol to reduce atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in adults: A report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation, published online November 12, 2013. DOI: 10.1161/01.cir.0000437738.63853.7a. Accessed November 18, 2013.

Credits

Current as of:
August 31, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine

Current as of: August 31, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine

Blood Test: Lipid Panel – familydoctor.org

A lipid panel is a simple blood test to check your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a soft, sticky substance found inside your body. Total cholesterol is made up of three parts: good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol as well as triglycerides (a certain type of fat). A lipid panel test is important because cholesterol can clog your arteries. This can lead to heart disease and stroke.

The blood test can be done in a doctor’s office, laboratory, or hospital. A nurse or lab technician inserts a needle into a vein in your arm to collect a small sample of blood. Sometimes the blood can be collected through a prick to your finger. Your blood will be collected into a tube and sent to a lab for testing. The results will be sent to your doctor and your doctor’s office will notify you of the results. The test can be done at any time of the day.

Path to improved health

Your doctor will use the results of your lipid panel to calculate an ASCVD (atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease) risk score. This score reveals if you are a high or low risk for heart disease. If your risk score is high, your doctor will recommend diet and lifestyle changes. He or she may prescribe medicine to lower your cholesterol. Statins are a class of medicine most often prescribed to lower cholesterol.

The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) supports the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) clinical preventive service recommendations for lipid screening. The USPSTF recommends that healthy adults have their first lipid panel test at age 40. Adults may be tested earlier if they have certain diseases (diabetes, heart disease) or if they smoke. According to the USPSTF, there is not enough evidence of the benefits of lipid panel testing in adults 21 to 39 years old.

Your lipid panel test will provide individual results for your good and bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

• Good (HDL) cholesterol:Your body needs good cholesterol to lower your risk of heart disease. This is one test where you want high numbers. Aim for a good cholesterol of 40 to 60 mg/dL. You can increase your good cholesterol through a healthy diet and exercise.
• Bad (LDL) cholesterol:Your goal is to lower your number for your bad cholesterol. A reading of 100 mg/dL or less is considered normal. Between 100 and 129 mg/dL is near normal. Between 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high. Above 190 mg/dL is considered high. Results between 70 and 189 mg/dL are considered too high if you are between the ages of 40 and 75 and have diabetes, a medium-to-high risk of heart disease or both conditions. Your doctor will prescribe a cholesterol medicine based on your results and health history.
• Triglycerides:Between 150 md/dL or less is considered normal. Between 150 and 199 mg/dL is considered borderline high. Between 200 and 499 mg/dL is considered high. Anything higher than 500 mg/dL is considered very high. Things that affect your triglycerides include liver damage, a high carbohydrate/low protein diet, underactive thyroid, a kidney disorder called Nephrotic syndrome, some medicines (hormone replacement medicines), uncontrolled diabetes, and genetics. Treatment includes a combination of prescription medicine, a healthy diet and exercise. If your results are higher than 500 mg/dL, you may have an increased risk of pancreatitis. This is a chronic, acute disease of your pancreas.

Things to consider

• You may have brief pain during the blood test as the needle is inserted. You may have a bruise at the site a day or two after the test.
• If you are dehydrated (your body doesn’t’ have enough fluids), it may be difficult to find a good vein for the test. Drink plenty of water one to two days before the test.
• People who have suffered a recent heart attack, surgery, infection, injury, or pregnancy should wait two months before having their cholesterol checked.

Questions to ask your doctor

• Are there any risks to having a lipid panel blood test?
• Can lipid panel results be affected by a cold or the flu?
• Should I take my prescription pills before having the test?
• How soon will I find out my results?
• How do I prepare for the test if I have a latex allergy?
• What if I mistakenly eat something within the 8 to 12 hours before I take the test?

Resources

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute: High Blood Cholesterol

National Institutes of Health, MedlinePlus: Cholesterol Testing and Results

Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians

This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone. Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject.

Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests | Michigan Medicine

Test Overview

Cholesterol and triglyceride tests are blood tests that measure lipids—fats and fatty substances used as a source of energy by your body. 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. Lipids include cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Cholesterol and triglyceride tests measure:

• 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 include:

• Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol level.
• The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL.
• The ratio of LDL to HDL.

Your doctor may order these tests as part of a regular health exam. Your doctor may use the results to prevent, check on, or diagnose a medical condition. The results help your doctor check your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Follow your doctor’s instructions on how to prepare for these tests. Your doctor may ask you to not eat or drink anything except water for 9 to 14 hours before your blood test. In most cases, you are allowed to take your medicines with water the morning of the test. Fasting is not always needed, but it may be recommended. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test.

Why It Is Done

Cholesterol and triglyceride testing is done:

• As part of a routine physical exam to screen for a lipid disorder.
• To check your response to medicines used to treat lipid disorders.
• To help find your risk of having heart and blood flow problems, including heart attack and stroke.
• If you have unusual symptoms, such as yellow fatty deposits in the skin (xanthomas). These symptoms may be caused by a rare genetic disease that causes very high cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol tests and heart attack risk

Your cholesterol levels can help your doctor find out your risk for having a heart attack or stroke.

But it’s not just about your cholesterol. Your doctor uses your cholesterol levels plus other things to calculate your risk. These include:

• Your blood pressure.
• Whether or not you have diabetes.
• Your age, sex, and race.
• Whether or not you smoke.

Learn more

How To Prepare

• Your doctor may ask you to not eat or drink anything except water for 9 to 14 hours before the tests. In most cases, you can take your medicines with water the morning of the test.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the tests.
• Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your test. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the test and how soon to do it.

How It Is Done

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

Watch

How It Feels

When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.

Risks

There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.

Results

Results^{footnote 1, footnote 2} are usually available within 24 hours.

If your LDL cholesterol is 190 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more, it might mean that you have a familial lipid disorder.

For children and teens, test results are slightly different than for adults.

Watch

References

Citations

1. Grundy S, et al. (2002). Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) (NIH Publication No. 02–5215). Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health. Also available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atp3full.pdf.
2. Grundy SM, et al. (2004). Implications of recent clinical trials of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines. Circulation, 110(2): 227–239. [Erratum in Circulation, 110(6): 763.]

Credits

Current as of:
August 31, 2020

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine
Elizabeth T. Russo MD – Internal Medicine
Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine

Current as of: August 31, 2020

Author:
Healthwise Staff

Medical Review:E. Gregory Thompson MD – Internal Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD – Family Medicine & Martin J. Gabica MD – Family Medicine & Elizabeth T. Russo MD – Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD – Family Medicine

Grundy S, et al. (2002). Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (Adult Treatment Panel III) (NIH Publication No. 02-5215). Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health. Also available online: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atp3full.pdf.

Grundy SM, et al. (2004). Implications of recent clinical trials of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III Guidelines. Circulation, 110(2): 227-239. [Erratum in Circulation, 110(6): 763.]

Test Details, Preparation & Results

Total Cholesterol (TC)

Directly linked to risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Goal values:

• 75-169 mg/dL for those age 20 and younger
• 100-199 mg/dL for those over age 21

Preparation:

This test may be measured any time of the day without fasting. However, if the test is drawn as part of a total lipid profile, it requires a 12-hour fast (no food or drink, except water). For the most accurate results, wait at least two months after a heart attack, surgery, infection, injury or pregnancy to check cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is a type of fat, found in your blood. It is produced by your body and also comes from the foods you eat (animal products). Cholesterol is needed by your body to maintain the health of your cells. Too much cholesterol leads to coronary artery disease. Your blood cholesterol level is related to the foods you eat or to genetic conditions (passed down from other generations of family members).

High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) “Good cholesterol”

High levels linked to a reduced risk of heart and blood vessel disease. The higher your HDL level, the better.

Goal value:

Preparation:

This test may be measured any time of the day without fasting. However, if the test is drawn as part of a total lipid profile, it requires a 12-hour fast (no food or drink, except water). For the most accurate results, wait at least two months after a heart attack, surgery, infection, injury or pregnancy to check HDL levels.

HDL is a lipoprotein (a combination of fat and protein) found in the blood. It is called “good” cholesterol because it removes excess cholesterol from the blood and takes it to the liver. A high HDL level is related to lower risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) “Bad cholesterol”

High levels are linked to an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease, including coronary artery disease, heart attack and death. Reducing LDL levels is a major treatment target for cholesterol-lowering medications.

Goal values:

• Less than 70 mg/dL for those with heart or blood vessel disease and for other patients at very high risk of heart disease (those with metabolic syndrome)
• Less than 100 mg/dL for high risk patients (e.g., some patients who have multiple heart disease risk factors)
• Less than 130 mg/dL for individuals who are at low risk for coronary artery disease

Preparation:

Blood should be collected after a 12-hour fast (no food or drink, except water). For the most accurate results, wait at least two months after a heart attack, surgery, infection, injury or pregnancy to check LDL levels.

LDL is a lipoprotein (a combination of fat and protein) found in the blood. It is called “bad” cholesterol because it picks up cholesterol from the blood and takes it to the cells. A high LDL level is related to a higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

Triglycerides (TG)

Elevated in obese or diabetic patients. Level increases from eating simple sugars or drinking alcohol. Associated with heart and blood vessel disease.

Goal value:

Preparation:

Blood should be collected after a 12-hour fast (no food or drink, except water). For the most accurate results, wait at least two months after a heart attack, surgery, infection, injury or pregnancy to check triglyceride levels.

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. The blood level of this type of fat is most affected by the foods you eat (such as sugar, fat or alcohol) but can also be high due to being overweight, having thyroid or liver disease and genetic conditions. High levels of triglycerides are related to a higher risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

This information is about testing and procedures and may include instructions specific to Cleveland Clinic. Please consult your physician for information pertaining to your testing.

Cholesterol Blood Tests For Heart Health

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Heart Health Tests

Instructions

Patients are required to fast before cholesterol blood test for the 10 to 12 hours prior to having a cholesterol blood test sample taken. Patients are allowed to drink water during their fast and may take their normal medications as prescribed. Vitamins and other dietary supplements should not be taken the day of the blood test unless otherwise instructed by the doctor.

Why It Is Used

A lipid panel is a cholesterol blood test used to measure cholesterol levels and to aid in determining one’s risk of heart disease. Testing is especially important for those who have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease, are obese, are sedentary most of the time, or have been diagnosed with diabetes. Also, men over the age of 45 and women over the age of 55 are at higher risk and should be tested more frequently.

How It Works

The lipid panel blood test assesses a number of factors. The test gives a total cholesterol count that represents the amount of cholesterol in the blood. The test also provides information on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is often referred to as the “good” cholesterol and helps to eliminate “bad” cholesterol. The bad cholesterol is the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. The test provides a count of the LDL cholesterol – the substance that can start to build up in the arteries and cause blockages, as well as increased risk of a heart attack. The balance of HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in the body can help doctors to determine an individual’s cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease. High cholesterol, by itself, does not have many outward signs or symptoms, and so a lipid panel is an important first step in determining risk.

Results

There are many different factors that can affect the level of cholesterol in one’s blood at any given time. If lab test results show one’s LDL cholesterol to be abnormally high or the total cholesterol in the blood is too high or too low, it is common practice for doctors to request the test be performed several more times over the next couple of months to see the fluctuation in cholesterol levels. Treatment is often started only after cholesterol levels are shown to be consistently out of normal range.

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Lipid Panel | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Does this test have other names?

Lipid profile, lipoprotein profile

What is this test?

This group of tests measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood.

Cholesterol and triglycerides are lipids, or fats. These fats are important for cell health, but they can be harmful when they build up in the blood. Sometimes they can lead to clogged, inflamed arteries, a condition call atherosclerosis. This may keep your heart from working normally if the arteries of your heart muscle are affected.

This panel of tests helps predict your risk for heart disease and stroke.

A lipid panel measures these fats:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol
• Triglycerides, another type of fat that causes hardening of the arteries

Why do I need this test?

You may need this panel of tests if you have a family history of heart disease or stroke.

You may also have this test if your healthcare provider believes you’re at risk for heart disease. These are risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Overweight or obesity
• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Diet of unhealthy foods
• Stress
• High total cholesterol

If you are already being treated for heart disease, you may have this test to see whether treatment is working.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may also order other tests to look at how well your heart is working. These tests may include:

• Electrocardiogram, or ECG, which tests your heart’s electrical impulses to see if it is beating normally
• Stress test, in which you may have to exercise while being monitored by ECG
• Echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to make pictures of your heart
• Cardiac catheterization. For this test, a healthcare provider puts a tube into your blood vessels and injects dye. X-rays are then done to look for clogs in the arteries of the heart

Your provider may also order tests for high blood pressure or blood sugar, or glucose.

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you.

Results are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Here are the ranges for total cholesterol in adults:

• Normal: Less than 200 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 200 to 239 mg/dL
• High: At or above 240 mg/dL

These are the adult ranges for LDL cholesterol:

• Optimal: Less than 100 mg/dL (This is the goal for people with diabetes or heart disease.)
• Near optimal: 100 to 129 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 130 to 159 mg/dL
• High: 160 to 189 mg/dL
• Very high: 190 mg/dL and higher

The above numbers are general guidelines, because actual goals depend on the number of risk factors you have for heart disease.

Your HDL cholesterol levels should be above 40 mg/dL. This type of fat is actually good for you because it lowers your risk of heart disease. The higher the number, the lower your risk. Sixty mg/dL or above is considered the level to protect you against heart disease.

High levels of triglycerides are linked with a higher heart disease risk. Here are the adult ranges:

• Normal: Less than 150 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 150 to 199 mg/dL
• High: 200 to 499 mg/dL
• Very high: Above 500 mg/dL

Depending on your test results, your healthcare provider will decide whether you need lifestyle changes or medicines to lower your cholesterol.

Your results and targets will vary according to your age and health. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, you’re at higher risk of having heart disease. You may have to take medicine to get your cholesterol and triglyceride levels even lower.

How is this test done?

The test is done with a blood sample, which is drawn through a needle from a vein in your arm.

Does this test pose any risks?

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore.

What might affect my test results?

Being sick or under stress, and taking certain medicines can affect your results.

What you eat, how often you exercise, and whether you smoke can also affect your lipid profile.

How do I prepare for the test?

You may need to not eat or drink anything but water for 12 to 14 hours before this test. In addition, be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don’t need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use.

90,000 Pass a blood test for total cholesterol in the laboratory Medical tests, prices in the laboratory KDL

Cholesterol is a necessary substance in the human body. It is the basis of all cell membranes and is used for the synthesis of steroid homones, vitamin D and bile acids. Most of the cholesterol necessary for the body is synthesized in the liver, less is supplied with food. In the blood, cholesterol circulates as part of complex complexes – lipoproteins.Despite the obvious need for cholesterol for the body, its excess in the blood can lead to atherosclerosis – the formation of plaques on the walls of blood vessels that narrow the lumen.

In what cases is the total cholesterol test usually prescribed?

Most often, this study is prescribed during clinical examination, the analysis for cholesterol is part of the mandatory laboratory examination of adults. Cholesterol testing is prescribed at regular intervals for patients who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, who have already had high cholesterol levels in the past, and who are taking statin therapy.In children, a study for cholesterol is advisable if hereditary hypercholesterolemia is suspected.

Factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases:

• smoking,
• overweight with predominant fat deposition in the abdominal area,
• high blood pressure,
• metabolic syndrome or diabetes,
• family history of early cardiovascular disease (in close relatives)

With an elevated cholesterol level, it is important to evaluate the remaining parameters of the lipid spectrum: triglycerides, HDL, LDL, atherogenic coefficient, and lipoprotein (a).

What exactly is determined in the analysis process?

Total cholesterol is determined – the sum of all circulating lipoproteins and cholesterol esters. The method of determination is enzymatic colorimetric.

What do the test results mean?

The optimal cholesterol level for each patient is assessed differently. There are reference values ​​- these are the limits of cholesterol that were identified in healthy people of a certain sex and age during a mass examination. Normally, cholesterol rises with age. For patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease or for those with other risk factors for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events, the so-called recommended cholesterol limits are used, expressed in terms of risk. Moreover, in this case, the recommendations of the American and European Association of Cardiology are slightly different. Both reference values ​​and recommended limits for risk levels can be seen on the test result sheet for total cholesterol

Typical test lead time

Usually a total cholesterol result can be obtained within 1-2 days

Do I need special preparation for the analysis?

No special training required.Total cholesterol can be taken at any time, no earlier than 3 hours after the last snack. But, if other parameters of the lipid profile are needed: triglycerides, HDL, LDL, then it is necessary to donate blood strictly on an empty stomach, withstanding 12-14 hours of fasting. You can drink water.

Blood test for cholesterol

Many people believe that cholesterol is a harmful substance that enters the body when eating food of animal origin. Is it so? Let’s figure it out.

By its nature, cholesterol is a lipophilic alcohol. The human body gets cholesterol not only from food. The liver, for example, also synthesizes cholesterol for the needs of our body and is the main source of this substance.

Most of the cholesterol in the body is not in a free state, but is associated with special proteins – lipoproteins and forms lipoprotein complexes.

There are two main types of lipoproteins:

1. LDL (low density lipoproteins), or the so-called “bad cholesterol”, carry cholesterol from liver cells to other cells in the body.Due to the fact that LDL is poorly soluble and prone to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels, they thereby increase the risk of heart attack or ischemic stroke, as well as other cardiovascular complications.
2. HDL (high density lipoprotein), or “good cholesterol,” according to experts, prevents cardiovascular disease. HDL serves the opposite function of “bad cholesterol” – it carries cholesterol from cells back to the liver. It is either broken down in the liver or excreted from the body as waste.

What is cholesterol for

Cholesterol is essential for the normal functioning of the body. It is the main building material, because provides strength and elasticity of all cell membranes. Cholesterol is an essential component of the synthesis of cortisone, sex hormones and vitamin D. Cholesterol molecules are involved in the functioning of the nervous and immune systems.

One of the important advantages of breastfeeding, for example, is the content of cholesterol in breast milk, which is important for the development of the brain of infants, affects the production of necessary hormones, the musculoskeletal, immune, reproductive systems, and in substitute mixtures its content is significantly inferior to that of the mother. milk.

A lowered level of “good” cholesterol leads to disorders in the sexual and reproductive spheres, inability to conceive, loss of libido, as well as depressive conditions with a high probability of suicidal outcomes, impaired digestive function, the development of osteoporosis, diabetes, hemorrhagic stroke.

But an excess of cholesterol in the blood does not have a very good effect on health. it is the primary link in the process of atherosclerotic plaques (cholesterol deposits) on the walls of blood vessels.

The thing is that circulating in the blood, cholesterol, with its excess, tends to clump and accumulate in the arteries, forming atherosclerotic plaques that impede the movement of blood and narrow the lumen of blood vessels, which causes oxygen starvation and insufficient blood supply to tissues and organs and leads to the development of vascular atherosclerosis, arterial hypertension, coronary heart disease. In addition, atherosclerotic plaques on the walls of blood vessels contribute to the formation of a thrombus, which provokes thromboembolism, heart attacks, strokes and can be fatal.

Important to remember! Smoking, being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy diet are factors that increase the level of “bad” cholesterol.

In a blood test for cholesterol, it is important to determine not only the amount of total cholesterol, but also its fractions: LDL – cholesterol, HDL – cholesterol. A very important indicator is the atherogenicity index (coefficient of atherogenicity), which reflects the degree of risk of developing diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

The norm of cholesterol in the blood:

• Desired cholesterol level <5.17
• borderline cholesterol level 5.17-6.18
• high cholesterol> 6.21

The norm of LDL in the blood, taking into account the risk of developing coronary heart disease:

• <2.59 - optimal
• 2.59-3.34 – above optimal
• 3.37-4.12 – border-high
• 4.14-4.89 – high
• ≥4. 92 – very high

HDL cholesterol in women, taking into account the risk of developing coronary heart disease:

• > 1.68 – no risk
• 1.15-1.68 – contingent risk
• <1.15 - high risk

HDL cholesterol in men, taking into account the risk of developing coronary heart disease:

• > 1.45 – no risk
• 0.90-1.45 – contingent risk
• <0.90 - high risk

Where to take a blood test for cholesterol?

You can get tested for cholesterol at any point of Sinevo in Minsk, Baranovichi, Bobruisk, Borisov, Brest, Vitebsk, Gantsevichi, Gomel, Grodno, Zhlobin, Lida, Mogilev, Mozyrudk, Molodechno, Novopolotshe , Polotsk, Rechitsa, Svetlogorsk, Slutsk, Smorgon, Soligorsk.

Biochemical blood test: how is cholesterol labeled?

A biochemical blood test is a fairly detailed study that allows you to identify many diseases. As heart problems and strokes get younger, doctors recommend testing blood for lipoprotein levels regularly, especially with age.

Not every patient is able to decipher the results obtained by hand. After all, few people know what letters and abbreviations are used to hide lipoproteins.We will tell you how cholesterol is indicated in the blood test.

Cholesterol in the blood test

In the simplest blood test for biochemistry, only the total cholesterol indicator is calculated. To separately calculate the ratio of high and low density lipoproteins (good and bad cholesterol), it is necessary to separately make a lipidogram.

“Useful cholesterol” cleans blood vessels from cholesterol plaques, prevents the formation of blood clots. “Harmful cholesterol” are lipoproteins with a low density index. They remain on the walls of blood vessels and provoke the appearance of plaques, leading to narrowing of the canal, and then to various cardiac pathologies, up to a heart attack.

Attention! The total density of lipoproteins of both types is referred to as cholesterol. But the ratio of these two substances in human blood is important for health.

Indicators of the norm

The total amount of lipoproteins has its own indicators of the norm and changes with age. In infants, this value should not exceed 3.3 mmol / L. Other people have:

• up to 12 months – 1.81-4.53 mmol / l;
• up to 12 years old – 3.1-5.18 mmol / l;
• 13-17 years old – 3.11-5.44 mmol / l;

90,015 adults – up to 5.2 mmol / l.

Attention! Deciphering the data obtained should be dealt with by a specialist who will tell you if the cholesterol level is normal and what to do if the parameters of the substance exceed the permissible value.

How is cholesterol recorded?

Medical experts record all designations in Latin. Sometimes there are literal records in Russian – HDL or LDL. The first is a useful substance, and the second is harmful.

In Latin, the designations look different:

• Total indicator – Chol (cholesterol), TC (total cholesterol).
• HDL (high density lipoprotein) – high density substance, useful substance, HDL.
• LDL – a low-density substance, a harmful substance, in the Russian designation of LDL.
• TG – glycerol derivatives.
• IA is an important indicator of anterogenicity (specifies how HDL and LDL are related in the blood).

In which language, in Russian or in Latin, the designation is affixed is not so important. This often depends on the laboratory where the analysis is performed.

How do I prepare for the analysis?

For the indicators to be as truthful as possible, it is necessary to thoroughly prepare for the study. All the details are explained by the attending physician, but it is better to know them. Before donating blood, you must:

• refuse food in 8 hours;
• refrain from smoking for three hours;
• Calm down and not be exposed to stress;
• enter the office with the most even breathing;
• for knocking before taking the test, stop taking fatty and salty foods.

There are several diseases in which it is imperative to be tested for cholesterol several times a year.These include:

• diabetes mellitus;
• pathology of the heart and blood vessels;

90,015 obesity;

• hypertension.

Attention! Women and men over the age of 45 should have a chol blood test at least once a year in order to prevent the onset of cardiovascular diseases or to recognize them at an early stage.
90,000 Investigation of blood cholesterol levels, prices in Nizhny Novgorod

Total cholesterol is a fat-like substance that the body needs for the normal functioning of cells, digestion of food, and the creation of many hormones.Too much cholesterol increases the risk of plaque in the arteries, which can block them and cause heart attacks or strokes. Cholesterol (cholesterol, cholesterol) is a fat-like substance that is vital for the body. Cholesterol is involved in the formation of cell membranes in all organs and tissues of the body. On the basis of cholesterol, hormones are created that are involved in the growth, development of the body and the implementation of the reproduction function. Bile acids are formed from cholesterol, which are part of bile, thanks to which fats are absorbed in the intestines.Cholesterol is insoluble in water, therefore, to move through the body, it is “packed” in a protein shell, consisting of special proteins – apolipoproteins. The resulting complex (cholesterol + apolipoprotein) is called lipoprotein.

Several types of lipoproteins circulate in the blood, differing in the proportions of their constituent components:

– very low density lipoproteins (VLDL),

– low density lipoproteins (LDL),

– high density lipoproteins (HDL).

LDL cholesterol and VLDL cholesterol are considered “bad” types of cholesterol, since they contribute to the formation of plaques in the arteries, HDL cholesterol, on the contrary, is called “good”, since the composition of HDL removes excess cholesterol. The total cholesterol (cholesterol) test measures the total amount of cholesterol (both “bad” and “good”) circulating in the blood as lipoproteins. The liver produces a sufficient amount of cholesterol for the needs of the body, but some of it comes from food, mainly meat and fatty dairy products.Excess cholesterol is deposited in the walls of blood vessels in the form of plaques, which can restrict the movement of blood through the vessel, and also make the vessels more rigid (atherosclerosis), which significantly increases the risk of heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart attack) and stroke.

What is the research used for?

– To assess the risk of atherosclerosis and heart problems.

– For the prevention of many diseases.

When is the study scheduled?

– At least once every 5 years for all adults over 20 years old (usually it is included in the list of the standard set of tests for preventive examinations).

– Together with analyzes for LDL cholesterol, VLDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and with the coefficient of atherogenicity, this is the so-called lipidogram.

– Several times a year if a diet restricted to animal fats is prescribed and / or cholesterol-lowering medications are taken (to check if the person reaches the target cholesterol level and, accordingly, if the risk of cardiovascular disease is reduced).

– If one or more risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases are present in the patient’s life:

– smoking,

– a certain age period (men over 45 years old, women over 55 years old),

– high blood pressure (140/90 mm.rt. st and above),

– high cholesterol level or cardiovascular disease in other family members (heart attack or stroke in the closest male relative under 55 years old or female under 65 years old),

– coronary heart disease,

– suffered a heart attack or stroke,

– diabetes mellitus,

– overweight,

– alcohol abuse,

– eating a large amount of food containing animal fats,

– low physical activity.

– At 2-10 years old, a child in whose family someone had heart disease at a young age or high cholesterol.

Preparation for analyzes – useful information website audiomed.ru

Rules for preparing a patient for the test

How to donate blood for analysis correctly

* there are contraindications, specialist consultation is required

1. A number of tests are done on an empty stomach.For example, biochemical (glucose, cholesterol, bilirubin, etc.) and serological tests (syphilis, hepatitis B), hormones (TSH, parahormone), etc. “Fasting” is when at least 8 hours pass between the last meal and blood collection (preferably at least 12 hours). Juice, tea, coffee, especially with sugar – are also food, so you have to endure. You can drink water.

2. Strictly on an empty stomach (after a 12-hour fast), blood should be donated to determine the parameters of the lipid profile: cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides.

3. If you have to take a general or clinical blood test, the last meal should be no later than 1 hour before donating blood. Breakfast can consist of unsweetened tea, unsweetened porridge without butter and milk, and an apple.

4. It is advisable to exclude fatty, fried and alcohol from the diet 1-2 days before the examination. If a feast took place the day before, reschedule the laboratory test for 1-2 days.Refrain from smoking one hour before taking blood.

5. The content of many tests in the blood is subject to daily fluctuations, therefore, for a number of studies, blood should be donated strictly at a certain time of the day. So, blood for some hormones (TSH and parahormone), as well as for iron, donate only until 10 in the morning.

6. When donating venous blood, it is necessary to exclude factors influencing the research results: physical stress (running, climbing stairs), emotional arousal.Therefore, before the procedure, you should rest for 10-15 minutes in the waiting room, calm down.

7. It is advisable to donate blood for analysis before taking medications. If you are taking medication, be sure to notify your doctor about it.

8. Blood should not be donated after x-rays, rectal examinations, or physiotherapy procedures.

9. In hormonal studies in women of reproductive age (from about 12-13 years old and before the onset of menopause), the results are influenced by physiological factors associated with the stage of the menstrual cycle.Therefore, when preparing for examination for the hormones FSH, LH, prolactin, estriol, estradiol, progesterone, the phase of the cycle should be indicated. When conducting a study for sex hormones, strictly adhere to the recommendations of your attending physician about the day of the menstrual cycle in which blood should be donated.

10. When performing studies for the presence of infections, it should be borne in mind that, depending on the period of infection and the state of the immune system, any patient may have a negative result.But, nevertheless, a negative result does not completely rule out infection. In doubtful cases, it is recommended to re-analyze.

11. It is advisable to take capillary blood in children for a general or clinical blood test during a routine examination in the morning on an empty stomach (in infants – before the next feeding, the drinking regimen is normal). In an emergency situation associated with the need for urgent diagnosis, the requirement to take on an empty stomach for this study can be neglected.If it is impossible to fulfill the recommended conditions for taking blood in the morning, on an empty stomach, it is allowed to take a sample during the day, as well as after taking a small amount of low-fat food.

12. Different laboratories may use different research methods and units of measurement. To assess your results correctly and to make the results acceptable, do the research in the same laboratory at the same time. Comparison of such studies will be more correct.

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