Cholesterol & Lipids Test

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Cardio IQ Lipid Panel, Lipid Panel Cardio IQ, Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
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The Cholesterol & Lipids Test test contains 1 test with 6 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Cholesterol & Lipids test, often referred to as a lipid panel or cholesterol panel, is a comprehensive diagnostic assessment that measures various markers related to cholesterol and lipids in the bloodstream. This panel includes markers such as Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Non HDL Cholesterol, Chol/HDLC Ratio, and Triglycerides. These tests provide essential information about an individual's cardiovascular health and risk factors.

Also Known As: Lipid Profile Test, Lipid Test, Cholesterol Profile Test, Cholesterol Panel Test, Cholesterol Test, Coronary Risk Panel Test, lipid blood test 

Collection Method: Blood Draw 

Specimen Type: Serum 

Test Preparation: Patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection.

This is a Cardio IQ™ test and will likely need an additional 5-7 days for processing compared to the standard version of the test, Lipid Panel #7600.

When and Why the Cholesterol & Lipids Test May Be Ordered

Timing of the Test: The Cholesterol & Lipids test can be ordered as part of routine health screenings, during annual check-ups, or when specific risk factors or symptoms related to cardiovascular health are present. Fasting may be required for accurate triglyceride measurements.

Reasons for Ordering the Test:

  1. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: The primary reason for ordering this test is to assess an individual's risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease and stroke. Elevated cholesterol levels and unfavorable lipid profiles are associated with an increased risk of these conditions.

  2. Routine Health Screening: Healthcare providers often include lipid panels in routine health screenings to identify individuals at risk of heart disease, even in the absence of symptoms.

  3. Monitoring Cholesterol Levels: For individuals with a history of high cholesterol or those on cholesterol-lowering medications, regular lipid panel testing helps monitor cholesterol levels and assess treatment effectiveness.

  4. Assessing Treatment Effects: The Cholesterol & Lipids test may be ordered to evaluate the impact of lifestyle changes or medications on cholesterol and lipid profiles.

  5. Evaluation of Cardiovascular Symptoms: In cases where patients present with symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations, lipid panel testing may be part of the diagnostic workup to assess cardiovascular risk.

What the Cholesterol & Lipids Test Checks For

The Cholesterol & Lipids test assesses several key markers:

  1. Cholesterol Total: Measures the total concentration of cholesterol in the bloodstream, including both HDL and LDL cholesterol.

  2. HDL Cholesterol: Evaluates the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "good" cholesterol. HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries.

  3. LDL Cholesterol: Measures low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Elevated LDL cholesterol can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

  4. Non HDL Cholesterol: Calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol, this marker represents the total cholesterol content minus the protective HDL fraction. It is a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk.

  5. Chol/HDLC Ratio: This ratio is calculated by dividing the total cholesterol by the HDL cholesterol and provides additional information about cardiovascular risk.

  6. Triglycerides: Assesses the levels of triglycerides, a type of fat in the blood. Elevated triglycerides are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results

Healthcare providers use the results of the Cholesterol & Lipids test to:

  1. Assess Cardiovascular Risk: Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, are associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Providers use these results to assess cardiovascular risk and make recommendations for lifestyle changes, medication, or further evaluation.

  2. Diagnose Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal lipid levels, which can include high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or high triglycerides. The test helps diagnose and classify dyslipidemia.

  3. Guide Treatment Decisions: The results of the lipid panel guide treatment decisions for lipid disorders. Treatment may involve lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), or a combination of both.

  4. Monitor Progress: For individuals already receiving treatment for cholesterol management, regular lipid panel testing helps healthcare providers monitor progress and adjust treatment plans as needed.

In summary, the Cholesterol & Lipids test is a comprehensive assessment of cholesterol and lipid levels in the bloodstream. It aids in assessing cardiovascular risk, diagnosing dyslipidemia, guiding treatment decisions, and monitoring lipid profiles to ensure optimal cardiovascular health.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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