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Lipid panel

Also called: Cholesterol test, Lipid profile

A lipid panel measures the cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It helps estimate your risk of heart attack and stroke.

SampleA small tube of blood from a vein in your arm
Fasting?Sometimes 9 to 12 hours
ResultsUsually within 1 to 2 days
Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.

What the test is

Many people don't need to fast, but your provider may ask you to if your triglycerides are high.

What it measures

  • Total cholesterol
  • LDL ('bad') cholesterol
  • HDL ('good') cholesterol
  • Triglycerides
  • Non-HDL cholesterol

Why it's done

  • Heart disease screening for adults, starting in childhood or young adulthood
  • Checking treatment with statins or other medicines
  • Diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of early heart disease

Getting ready and what happens

  • Ask whether you need to fast. If so, have only water for 9 to 12 hours.

How the test is done

  • A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.

What the results mean

ResultTypical range for adults
Total cholesterolBelow 200 mg/dL is desirable
LDL cholesterolBelow 100 mg/dL is optimal; 160 or higher is high
HDL cholesterol40 mg/dL or higher (men), 50 or higher (women); 60 or higher is protective
TriglyceridesBelow 150 mg/dL; 500 or higher is very high

Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.

High LDL

Raises the risk of heart attack and stroke. Your provider will look at your overall risk to decide about lifestyle changes and medicine.

Very high triglycerides

Levels over 500 mg/dL raise the risk of pancreatitis and need treatment.

Low HDL

Linked with higher heart risk. Exercise and not smoking can help.

Questions to ask your provider

  • What do my results mean for me?
  • Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
  • What is my 10-year heart risk?
  • Do I need a statin?
  • What LDL goal is right for me?

Risks

A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.

Related conditions

Related medicines

Related tests

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.