Description
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures lipids —fats and fatty substances used as a source of energy by your body. Lipids include cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Cholesterol is a fatty substance that circulates in the blood, cholesterol is an important component of cell membranes, certain hormones, vitamin D, and bile acids.
A healthy total cholesterol level is 120-200 mg/dL. Elevated total cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia) is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but it is more useful to look at specific types of cholesterol. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) so-called "good" cholesterol help clear cholesterol from the body and may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program recommends that people try to achieve a total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL, and HDL level of at least 40 mg/dL.
HDL cholesterol is inversely related to the risk for cardiovascular disease. It increases following regular exercise, moderate alcohol consumption and with oral estrogen therapy. Decreased levels are associated with obesity, stress, cigarette smoking and diabetes mellitus.
