Definition - What does lipid panel mean?
A lipid panel is a set of tests used to assess levels of lipids, or fatty substances, in the blood. Most lipid panels include a test to measure a person's total cholesterol level. The level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) present in the blood are tested as well. Triglyceride levels are also commonly tested as part of a lipid panel.
A lipid panel may also be called a coronary risk panel, cholesterol test, or lipid profile and is often used to assess an individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
SureHire explains lipid panel
Lipids, also known as cholesterols or fats, are naturally present in the body. However, high levels of certain types of lipids can lead to the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) or other cardiovascular conditions. A lipid panel is used by doctors to determine the total level of cholesterol in a person's blood and the ratio of "good" HDL cholesterol to "bad" LDL cholesterol. It is LCD or low-density lipoprotein cholesterol that is responsible for the build-up of plaque on the walls of a person's arteries.
A third type of lipid, triglycerides, is also measured in a standard lipid profile. Triglycerides are the body's means of packaging unused calories for transport. Triglycerides carry excess calories through the blood to their final storage destination in the body's fat cells. Elevated triglyceride levels are a risk factor for conditions such as diabetes, pancreatitis, fatty liver and cardiovascular diseases.
A lipid panel is often ordered as a part of an individual's routine wellness check-up.
