Lipid Panel with Ratios Most Popular

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 Quest Diagnostics. 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 Quest Diagnostics 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 Lipid Panel with Ratios test contains 1 test with 7 biomarkers.

Brief Description: A Lipid Panel with Ratios test is a comprehensive blood test that assesses various lipid components in the blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides. In addition to measuring individual lipid levels, this test also calculates ratios that provide valuable information about cardiovascular health.

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 is a Lipid Panel with Ratios test ordered?

A Lipid Panel with Ratios test may be ordered in several situations to evaluate lipid levels and assess cardiovascular risk:

  1. Routine Cardiovascular Screening: It is often ordered as part of routine health check-ups, especially in individuals with risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

  2. Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk: The test helps assess an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, or stroke. It provides valuable information about cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are significant risk factors for these conditions.

  3. Monitoring Lipid-Lowering Treatment: Individuals already on lipid-lowering medications, such as statins, may undergo periodic Lipid Panel with Ratios testing to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and ensure that lipid levels are within the target range.

What does a Lipid Panel with Ratios blood test check for?

Lipids are a class of fats and fat-like compounds that are essential components of cells and energy sources. The level of certain lipids in the blood is measured by a lipid profile.

Lipoprotein particles transport two key lipids, cholesterol and triglycerides, through the bloodstream. Protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid molecules are all present in each particle. High-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and very low-density lipoproteins are the three types of particles assessed with a lipid profile.

It's critical to keep track of and maintain optimal levels of these lipids in order to stay healthy. While the body creates the cholesterol required for normal function, some cholesterol is obtained from the diet. A high amount of cholesterol in the blood can be caused by eating too many foods high in saturated fats and trans fats or having a hereditary tendency. The excess cholesterol may form plaques on the inside walls of blood vessels. Plaques can constrict or block blood channel openings, causing artery hardening and raising the risk of a variety of health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Although the explanation for this is unknown, a high level of triglycerides in the blood is linked to an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

A lipid profile consists of the following elements:

  • Cholesterol total
  • HDL Cholesterol - commonly referred to as "good cholesterol" since it eliminates excess cholesterol from the body and transports it to the liver for elimination.
  • LDL Cholesterol - commonly referred to as "bad cholesterol" because it deposits excess cholesterol in the walls of blood arteries, contributing to atherosclerosis.
  • Triglycerides
  • Ratio of LDL to HDL cholesterol

Sample Ulta Lab Tests View of Lipid Panel with Ratios Test Results

Sample Quest Result Report View of Lipid Panel with Ratios Test Results

Lab tests often ordered with a Lipid Panel with Ratios test:

Alongside a Lipid Panel, several other tests might be ordered for a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment or to investigate potential causes for lipid abnormalities:

  1. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP):

    • Purpose: To measure low levels of inflammation which can be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Elevated hs-CRP levels can indicate increased cardiovascular risk, even when lipid levels are normal.

  2. Fasting Blood Glucose and Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c):

    • Purpose: To assess blood sugar control and diagnose diabetes.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Diabetes is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and blood glucose levels can impact lipid metabolism.

  3. Thyroid Function Tests:

    • Purpose: To evaluate thyroid function since hypothyroidism can lead to elevated cholesterol levels.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Thyroid disorders can alter lipid metabolism, so it's important to rule out thyroid dysfunction as a cause of abnormal lipid levels.

  4. Liver Function Tests (LFTs):

    • Purpose: To assess the health of the liver, which is involved in producing and processing cholesterol.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Liver diseases can affect lipid levels, and statin medications used to treat high cholesterol can impact liver enzymes.

  5. Kidney Function Tests (such as serum creatinine, BUN, eGFR):

    • Purpose: To evaluate kidney health.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Kidney disease can lead to changes in lipid profiles and can affect the management of dyslipidemia.

  6. Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1):

    • Purpose: To measure the proteins that are components of LDL and HDL, respectively.
    • Why Is It Ordered: ApoB and ApoA1 can provide additional information on lipid particle numbers and sizes, which may be predictive of cardiovascular risk.

  7. Lipoprotein (a) or Lp(a):

    • Purpose: To measure a specific type of lipoprotein that can be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
    • Why Is It Ordered: Elevated Lp(a) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can be hereditary, so it may be tested especially if there is a family history of heart disease.

  8. Fibrinogen:

    • Purpose: To measure the levels of fibrinogen, a blood plasma protein that's involved in clot formation.
    • Why Is It Ordered: High levels of fibrinogen can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and are also a marker of inflammation.

  9. Homocysteine:

    • Purpose: Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
    • Why Is It Ordered: To evaluate another potential risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease.

These tests can help identify additional risk factors for heart disease, underlying health conditions that may contribute to abnormal lipid levels, and can guide treatment decisions to reduce cardiovascular risk. The specific tests chosen will depend on the individual's clinical history, risk factors, and the primary reason for testing.

Conditions where a Lipid Panel with Ratios test is recommended:

A Lipid Panel with Ratios test is commonly ordered for:

  1. Cardiovascular Diseases: The test helps assess an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.

  2. Dyslipidemia: Dyslipidemia refers to abnormal lipid levels, such as high total cholesterol, high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, or elevated triglycerides. The test helps diagnose and monitor dyslipidemia.

How does my healthcare provider use a Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Healthcare providers use the results of a Lipid Panel with Ratios test to:

  1. Assess Cardiovascular Risk: By evaluating cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with ratios, healthcare providers can assess an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

  2. Diagnose and Monitor Dyslipidemia: The test aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of dyslipidemia, allowing healthcare providers to tailor treatment interventions and track progress over time.

  3. Guide Treatment Decisions: Lipid-lowering treatment interventions, such as lifestyle modifications or medications, are guided by the results of the Lipid Panel with Ratios test. The test helps healthcare providers determine the appropriate treatment plan based on an individual's lipid profile and overall cardiovascular risk.

  4. Monitor Treatment Effectiveness: Periodic Lipid Panel with Ratios testing helps healthcare providers monitor the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatments, such as statins, and make adjustments as needed to achieve target lipid levels.

By effectively utilizing the results of a Lipid Panel with Ratios test, healthcare providers can assess cardiovascular risk, diagnose and monitor dyslipidemia, guide treatment decisions, and make informed decisions regarding patient care and interventions related to lipid management and cardiovascular health.

What do my Lipid Panel test results mean?

Healthy lipid levels, in general, aid in the maintenance of a healthy heart and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. A health practitioner would analyze the results of each component of a lipid profile, as well as other risk factors, to assess a person's total risk of coronary heart disease, if therapy is required, and, if so, which treatment will best serve to reduce the person's risk of heart disease.

The Adult Treatment Panel III of the National Cholesterol Education Program published guidelines for measuring lipid levels and selecting treatment in 2002. The American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association announced updated cholesterol therapy guidelines in 2013 to minimize the risk of cardiovascular disease in adults. These guidelines suggest a different treatment method than the NCEP guidelines. Cholesterol-lowering medications are now chosen based on the 10-year risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and other criteria, rather than on LDL-C or non-HDL-C objectives.

The revised guidelines include an evidence-based risk calculator for ASCVD that may be used to identify people who are most likely to benefit from treatment. It's for adults between the ages of 40 and 79 who don't have a heart condition. The computation takes into account a number of characteristics, including age, gender, race, total cholesterol, HDL-C, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking habits. The new guidelines also suggest comparing therapeutic response to LDL-C baseline readings, with decrease criteria varying depending on the degree of lipid-lowering medication therapy.

Unhealthy lipid levels, as well as the presence of additional risk factors like age, family history, cigarette smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure, may indicate that the person being examined needs to be treated.

The NCEP Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines specify target LDL cholesterol levels based on the findings of lipid testing and these other main risk factors. Individuals with LDL-C levels over the target limits will be treated, according to the guidelines.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, screening youths with risk factors for heart disease with a full, fasting lipid panel is advised. Fasting is not required prior to lipid screening in children who do not have any risk factors. For non-fasting lipid screening, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol is the preferred test. Non-HDL-C is computed by subtracting total cholesterol and HDL-C from total cholesterol and HDL-C.

Is there anything else I should know?

The measurement of triglycerides in people who haven't fasted is gaining popularity. Because most of the day, blood lipid levels reflect post-meal levels rather than fasting levels, a non-fasting sample may be more representative of the "usual" circulating level of triglyceride. However, because it is still unclear how to interpret non-fasting levels for assessing risk, the current recommendations for fasting before lipid tests remain unchanged.

A fasting lipid profile is usually included in a routine cardiac risk assessment. In addition, research into the utility of additional non-traditional cardiac risk markers, such as Lp-PLA2, is ongoing. A health care provider may use one or more of these markers to help determine a person's risk, but there is no consensus on how to use them and they are not widely available.

Most Common Questions About the Lipid Panel with Ratios test:

Understanding the Test

What is the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

The Lipid Panel with Ratios test is a blood test that measures different types of fats in your blood, including total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. The test also calculates ratios of these lipids, such as total cholesterol to HDL, which can provide additional information about your risk for heart disease.

What does the Lipid Panel with Ratios test tell about my health?

This test provides information about the levels of different types of fats in your blood, which can help assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases like heart disease and stroke. High levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides, or a low level of HDL cholesterol, can indicate a higher risk.

What do the ratios in the Lipid Panel with Ratios test mean?

The ratios provide a way to look at the balance between the different types of cholesterol. For instance, the total cholesterol to HDL ratio is used to estimate the risk of heart disease. The higher the ratio, the greater the risk.

Interpreting the Results

What do high levels of LDL in the Lipid Panel with Ratios test indicate?

High levels of LDL, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

What do low levels of HDL in the Lipid Panel with Ratios test indicate?

HDL, often referred to as "good cholesterol," helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Low levels of HDL can increase your risk of heart disease.

What do high levels of triglycerides in the Lipid Panel with Ratios test indicate?

High levels of triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood, can increase the risk of heart disease, especially if accompanied by low HDL or high LDL levels.

How are the cholesterol levels categorized in the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Cholesterol levels are categorized as optimal, near optimal, borderline high, high, or very high based on established guidelines. Your healthcare provider will interpret your results based on these categories.

The Test in Different Situations

Why might my doctor order a Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Your doctor might order this test if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, or diabetes.

Can the Lipid Panel with Ratios test be used to monitor treatment for high cholesterol?

Yes, if you're being treated for high cholesterol with medication or lifestyle changes, this test can be used to monitor your response to treatment.

Can the Lipid Panel with Ratios test help in diagnosing metabolic syndrome?

Yes, one of the criteria for diagnosing metabolic syndrome is elevated triglycerides or low HDL cholesterol, which can be measured with this test.

Does age affect the results of the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Yes, cholesterol levels tend to increase with age. Men often see their cholesterol levels rise until about age 50, while women may see an increase after menopause.

About the Test

What factors can affect the results of the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Diet, physical activity, medications, and underlying conditions like diabetes and hypothyroidism can affect the results.

Can I take my regular medications before the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Some medications can affect lipid levels. It's important to discuss with your healthcare provider about any medications you're taking before the test.

How often should I get the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

The frequency depends on your individual health condition. If you're at high risk for heart disease or you're being treated for high cholesterol, your doctor may recommend this test more frequently.

What other tests might be ordered along with the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Your doctor may order other tests such as a glucose test to check for diabetes, a thyroid function test if hypothyroidism is suspected, or a liver function test to evaluate your liver health.

Understanding the Implications

What lifestyle changes can I make if my Lipid Panel with Ratios test indicates high cholesterol levels?

Changes can include eating a diet low in saturated and trans fats, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.

What medical treatments might be necessary if my Lipid Panel with Ratios test indicates high cholesterol levels?

Medical treatments could include statins, bile acid sequestrants, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, and other cholesterol-lowering medications.

What are the potential complications of high cholesterol levels detected by the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

High cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

What does it mean if my Lipid Panel with Ratios test results fluctuate?

Fluctuating results could be due to changes in your diet, physical activity, weight, medications, or the presence of an underlying condition that affects lipid metabolism. It's best to discuss this with your doctor to understand what might be causing these fluctuations.

Risks and Precautions

Are there risks associated with having high HDL levels in the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

While high HDL is generally considered protective against heart disease, extremely high levels could, in rare cases, be due to genetic conditions and may not offer the same protective benefits. However, more research is needed in this area.

What should I do if I have a family history of high cholesterol?

If you have a family history of high cholesterol, you should have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. You may also need to make lifestyle changes or take medication to manage your cholesterol levels.

Are children and teenagers recommended to have a Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Children and teenagers with a family history of high cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease might need to be tested. It's recommended to discuss with a pediatrician.

Can pregnancy affect the results of the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Yes, pregnancy can affect cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol and triglycerides typically increase during pregnancy, so it's recommended to wait at least six weeks after delivery before testing.

Can menopause affect the results of the Lipid Panel with Ratios test?

Yes, women's cholesterol levels tend to increase after menopause, which can affect the test results.

How is the Lipid Panel with Ratios test different from a regular cholesterol test?

A regular cholesterol test typically includes total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, but doesn't provide the ratios. The ratios in the Lipid Panel can give additional information about heart disease risk.

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

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