Lipid Panel
Also known as: Lipid profile, Cholesterol test, Fasting lipids
The lipid panel measures four fat-related molecules in the blood — total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides — and remains the cornerstone of cardiovascular risk assessment.
Venous blood (serum separator tube)
4–8 hours
Required
Lipids & Cholesterol
9–12 hours fasting is required for accurate triglyceride measurement. Non-fasting tests are acceptable for total cholesterol and HDL screening.
Reference Ranges
| Measurement | Reference Range | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | ≤ 200 | mg/dL |
| LDL cholesterol | ≤ 100 | mg/dL |
| HDL (men) | ≥ 40 | mg/dL |
| HDL (women) | ≥ 50 | mg/dL |
| Triglycerides | ≤ 150 | mg/dL |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | ≤ 130 | mg/dL |
Reference ranges are typical adult values. Your laboratory may use slightly different intervals — always use your lab's reported reference.
What This Test Measures
Cholesterol travels in protein-wrapped particles called lipoproteins. LDL (low-density lipoprotein) deposits cholesterol in artery walls — it is the primary driver of atherosclerosis. HDL (high-density lipoprotein) removes cholesterol from arteries back to the liver; higher levels are protective. Triglycerides are dietary fats that circulate after meals and reflect both diet and insulin sensitivity.
When Is This Test Ordered?
- Cardiovascular risk stratification in adults over 20
- Monitoring statin or other lipid-lowering therapy
- Family history of early heart disease or familial hypercholesterolaemia
- Metabolic syndrome or diabetes evaluation
- Post-myocardial infarction management
When Results Are High
High LDL accelerates coronary artery disease. High triglycerides (above 500 mg/dL) risk pancreatitis. High total cholesterol in isolation is less informative than the LDL:HDL ratio or a 10-year cardiovascular risk score (e.g. ASCVD score).
When Results Are Low
Low HDL is an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Very low LDL (below 40 mg/dL) in the absence of statins is usually genetic and may warrant investigation.
LDL targets vary by risk level
| Risk Category | LDL Target (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Low risk (no major risk factors) | < 130 |
| Moderate risk (1–2 risk factors) | < 100 |
| High risk (diabetes, 10-yr risk > 10%) | < 70 |
| Very high risk (prior heart attack or stroke) | < 55 |
The ratio that predicts risk better than total cholesterol
The total cholesterol:HDL ratio divides your total cholesterol by your HDL. A ratio below 4.0 is desirable; below 3.5 is optimal. Some cardiologists prefer the LDL:HDL ratio. Both outperform total cholesterol alone because they capture the balance between atherogenic and protective particles.
Non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol minus HDL) captures LDL plus VLDL — all the atherogenic particles in one number — and is increasingly preferred by guidelines over LDL alone for statin-treated patients.
Factors That Can Affect Your Result
- Eating within 9 hours raises triglycerides significantly
- Alcohol consumption within 24 hours raises triglycerides
- Pregnancy raises total cholesterol by 25–50%
- Hypothyroidism raises LDL and total cholesterol
- Aerobic exercise raises HDL by 5–10% over 12 weeks
Tracking This Test Over Time
LDL trend matters more than a single number. A 30% reduction from your untreated baseline is the typical statin target. Track each result with the same fasting status for valid comparisons.
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Medical disclaimer
This page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Reference ranges vary between laboratories, and results must be interpreted in the context of your symptoms, history, and other tests. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider. Content reviewed by the Looms medical team, 2026-06-01.