Compare - Cholesterol Test (LGC)

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: Lipid Panel with Ratios (fasting), Lipid Profile with Ratios (fasting), 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

LDL/HDL Ratio

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.
*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Compare - Cholesterol Test (LGC) test contains 1 test with 7 biomarkers.

Why pay $89 for Lets Get Checked's Cholesterol finger prick test kit when you can experience the convenience and affordablity of a Cholesterol lab test with Ulta Lab Tests - compare now and save!

Cholesterol Lab Test Overview

The Cholesterol lab test is a crucial diagnostic assessment that measures various cholesterol-related markers in a person's blood, providing valuable insights into their cardiovascular health. This test evaluates levels of different types of cholesterol and ratios between them.

Also Known As: Lipid Profile Test, Lipid Test, Cholesterol Profile Test, Cholesterol Panel Test, Cholesterol Test, Coronary Risk Panel Test, lipid blood test, Lipid w/Ratios Test, Cholesterol Ratio test, blood cholesterol Test

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

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

When and Why the Cholesterol Lab Test May Be Ordered

Timing of the Test: The Cholesterol lab test can be ordered at any time, and it typically does not require fasting, although fasting cholesterol panels are also commonly performed.

Reasons for Ordering the Test:

  1. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Healthcare providers frequently order this test to assess an individual's risk of cardiovascular disease. Elevated cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, are risk factors for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease.

  2. Routine Health Check-ups: Cholesterol screening is often included in routine health check-ups to identify individuals at risk of heart disease early on, even if they have no apparent symptoms.

  3. Monitoring Cholesterol Levels: For individuals with a history of high cholesterol or those taking cholesterol-lowering medications, regular Cholesterol tests help healthcare providers monitor the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments.

  4. Diet and Lifestyle Evaluation: The Cholesterol lab test aids in assessing the impact of diet and lifestyle modifications on cholesterol levels. Individuals who are overweight, have an unhealthy diet, or lead a sedentary lifestyle may undergo this test to gauge their cardiovascular risk.

What the Cholesterol Lab Test Checks For

The Cholesterol lab test measures several key cholesterol-related markers:

  1. Cholesterol Total: This marker represents the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, including both "good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) cholesterol.

  2. HDL Cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is considered "good" cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

  3. LDL Cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

  4. LDL/HDL Ratio: This ratio is calculated by dividing LDL cholesterol by HDL cholesterol. It provides insights into the balance between "bad" and "good" cholesterol.

  5. Non HDL Cholesterol: Non-HDL cholesterol includes all cholesterol except HDL. It is considered a more comprehensive indicator of cardiovascular risk.

  6. Triglycerides: Elevated triglyceride levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

  7. Chol/HDLC Ratio: This ratio is calculated by dividing total cholesterol by HDL cholesterol and is another marker of cardiovascular risk.

How Health Care Providers Use the Results

The results of the Cholesterol lab test are used for various purposes:

  1. Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Healthcare providers use the cholesterol panel results, particularly levels of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, to assess an individual's risk of cardiovascular disease. High LDL cholesterol and triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol are associated with an increased risk.

  2. Treatment Decisions: Elevated cholesterol levels may prompt healthcare providers to recommend lifestyle changes, such as dietary modifications and exercise, or prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications. The test helps guide treatment decisions and assess treatment effectiveness.

  3. Monitoring Progress: For individuals with high cholesterol or those undergoing treatment, regular cholesterol tests are essential for monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to treatment plans.

  4. Preventive Measures: Health care providers use the results to educate patients about heart disease risk factors and preventive measures. Lifestyle modifications, such as a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise, are often recommended.

In summary, the Cholesterol lab test is a fundamental tool for assessing cardiovascular risk, monitoring cholesterol levels, and guiding preventive and treatment strategies for heart disease. It provides essential information that can contribute to better heart health and overall well-being.

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

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