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What Is the Meaning of a Lipid Panel Test?

A lipid panel is a set of blood tests used to test your cholesterol levels. The results of the lipid panel help your doctor determine your risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

  1. Function

    • The lipid panel tests your total cholesterol, your triglycerides and your HDL and LDL. The HDL and LDL are your good and bad cholesterol levels.

    Purpose

    • A lipid panel is run to help narrow down your risk factors for heart disease and other coronary problems. Identifying cholesterol risk factors can allow your doctor to treat any problems before they cause serious side effects.

    Procedure

    • The lipid panel is run by drawing blood from a vein, typically in your arm. For accurate results, you are asked to fast for nine to 12 hours before your blood is drawn.

    Frequency

    • Lipid panels are commonly run at least every five years. For an individual with prior cholesterol problems or other risk factors, they may be requested once a year.

    Treatments

    • If your lipid panel test alerts your doctor to higher-than-normal cholesterol readings, treatments can range from diet modifications to daily medications.

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