CHOLESTEROL, TOTAL

CHOLESTEROL, TOTAL; LIPID PANEL; DIETARY FAT;

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.