Key points about lipid blood panel
- Measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood
- Helps assess your risk for heart disease and stroke
- Usually requires fasting for accurate results
- Simple and safe blood test with no downtime
- Results guide decisions about lifestyle changes or medication
Overview
A lipid blood panel is a test that checks the levels of different fats in your blood, including total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. These results help your doctor understand your heart health and decide if you need treatment.
Candidates for lipid blood panel
You may need this test if you:
- Are over age 20 and due for a routine screening
- Have risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, or diabetes
- Have a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
- Are taking cholesterol-lowering medications
Preparation for lipid blood panel
You may be asked to fast for 9–12 hours before the test. Only drink water during that time unless your doctor gives other instructions.
Risks for lipid blood panel
This is a low-risk test. You may have minor bruising or soreness at the needle site, but complications are very rare.
Recovery from lipid blood panel
There’s no downtime. After the blood sample is taken, you can go back to your usual activities.