A deep dive into cholesterol testing, what your numbers mean, and how to improve your cardiovascular health.
What is a Lipid Panel?
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures the levels of fats in your blood. It's one of the most important tools for assessing your cardiovascular health and risk of heart disease.
Components of a Lipid Panel
Total Cholesterol
This is the sum of all cholesterol in your blood. While an important number, it doesn't tell the whole story.
LDL Cholesterol ("Bad" Cholesterol)
High levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries. For most people, the goal is to keep LDL below 100 mg/dL.
HDL Cholesterol ("Good" Cholesterol)
HDL helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally better, with 60 mg/dL or higher being protective.
Triglycerides
Another type of fat in your blood. High levels are linked to increased heart disease risk.
Understanding Your Results
Your numbers should be interpreted in the context of your overall health, family history, and other risk factors. Our team can help you understand what your results mean for you specifically.
Improving Your Numbers
Lifestyle changes can significantly impact your lipid levels:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids
- Exercise regularly
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol
Written by
Dr. Sarah Johnson