What does a lipid panel test for?
Lipids are fatty substances found in your blood. The two main types are triglycerides and cholesterol. A lipid panel is a series of tests performed on a sample of your blood which analyze your levels of:
● Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: This is considered bad cholesterol. This waxy substance can build up in your bloodstream, causing blockages that may lead to heart attack or stroke.
● High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: This is considered good cholesterol as it helps eliminate LDL from your bloodstream and supports healthy hormone production.
● Total cholesterol: The combined LDL and HDL levels.
● Triglycerides: Residual fats from the foods you eat that are not converted into energy. High triglyceride levels are linked with pancreatic inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
Why would a doctor order a lipid panel?
Doctors order a lipid panel as part of bloodwork taken during a routine physical exam. Analyzing the lipid levels in your blood gives your doctor a good indication of whether you are at risk for developing cardiovascular disease.
What are the warning signs of high cholesterol?
People with high cholesterol levels typically do not show any symptoms until an emergency event, such as a heart attack or stroke. So regular lipid panels are crucial for preventative care.
Some of the symptoms you might experience as a result of high cholesterol include:
● Nausea
● Chest pain or angina
● Slurred speech
● Shortness of breath
● Extreme fatigue
● High blood pressure
● Cold hands and feet
What is a normal lipid panel reading?
Panel readings are measured in milligrams per deciliter and can vary according to your gender, age, and medical history; however, normal lipid levels for an average adult should be:
● Total cholesterol: Less than 200 mg/dL
● LDL Cholesterol: Less than 129mg/ dL
● HDL Cholesterol: Above 40mg/ dL
● Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/ dL
What happens if your lipids are high?
An excess amount of lipids in your blood can cause a buildup of waxy deposits to form on your artery walls, limiting blood flow and putting you at risk of a heart attack, heart disease, or stroke.
If your lipid panel shows high cholesterol levels, your doctor may prescribe medications such as:
● Statins to block the compound your liver uses to create cholesterol, causing your liver to remove excess cholesterol from your blood
● PCSK9 inhibitors to help the liver absorb LDL cholesterol from the blood
● Cholesterol absorption inhibitors to prevent the absorption of dietary cholesterol in the small intestine
If your bloodwork shows excess amounts of triglycerides in your body, you may need to take:
● Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to lower your triglyceride levels
● Fibrates to reduce the liver’s production of LDL cholesterol and speed up the liver’s removal of triglycerides
How often should my lipid panel be checked?
The American Heart Association recommends healthy adults over 20 get a lipid panel performed every four to six years. However, if you have a family history of heart disease, stroke, or diabetes, or you are a regular smoker or drinker, you may need to have a lipid panel performed as part of your yearly check-up.
