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.
You usually need to avoid eating for 10 to 12 hours before you have this blood
test. You may drink water and take medicines your doctor prescribed during this
time. But avoid drinking liquids other than water.
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.
For more information, see the topic
Cholesterol and Triglyceride Tests.
Other Places To Get Help
Organizations
| American Heart Association (AHA) |
| 7272 Greenville Avenue |
| Dallas, TX 75231 |
| Phone: | 1-800-AHA-USA1 (1-800-242-8721) |
| Web Address: | www.heart.org |
| |
Visit the American Heart Association (AHA) website for information on
physical activity, diet, and various heart-related conditions. You can search for information on heart disease and stroke, share information with friends and family, and use tools to help you make heart-healthy goals and plans. Contact the AHA to find your
nearest local or state AHA group. The AHA provides brochures and information
about support groups and community programs, including Mended Hearts, a
nationwide organization whose members visit people with heart problems and
provide information and support. |
|
| National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(NHLBI) |
| P.O. Box 30105 |
| Bethesda, MD 20824-0105 |
| Phone: | (301) 592-8573 |
| Fax: | (240) 629-3246 |
| TDD: | (240) 629-3255 |
| Email: | nhlbiinfo@nhlbi.nih.gov |
| Web Address: | www.nhlbi.nih.gov |
| |
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
(NHLBI) information center offers information and publications about preventing
and treating: - Diseases affecting the heart and circulation, such as heart
attacks, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, and
heart problems present at birth (congenital heart diseases).
- Diseases that affect the lungs, such as asthma, chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, sleep apnea, and
pneumonia.
- Diseases that affect the blood, such as anemia,
hemochromatosis, hemophilia, thalassemia, and von Willebrand disease.
|
|
References
Other Works Consulted
- Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis:
Saunders.
- Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009).
Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed.
Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Rakesh K. Pai, MD, FACC - Cardiology, Electrophysiology |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Carl Orringer, MD - Cardiology, Clinical Lipidology |
|---|
| Last Revised | July 13, 2011 |
|---|
