Panels/Lipid Panel

Lab Panel Guide

Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Test)

The lipid panel measures fats in your blood that affect heart disease risk. It's the primary screening tool for cardiovascular health.

Educational Information Only

Optimal cholesterol targets depend on your individual risk factors: diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, family history, and existing heart disease. This guide provides general ranges. Consult your doctor for personalized targets.

Key insight: Half of heart attacks occur in people with "normal" LDL cholesterol. Advanced markers like ApoB and Lp(a) can reveal hidden risk that standard lipid panels miss.Learn more →

Quick Reference

LDL

<100 optimal

HDL

≥60 protective

Triglycerides

<150 normal

Total

<200 desirable

Lipid Panel Components

Total Cholesterol

Measures: All cholesterol combined (LDL + HDL + 20% of triglycerides)

Optimal: <200 mg/dL (desirable)

Borderline: 200-239 mg/dL

High: ≥240 mg/dL

Less useful than LDL and HDL individually. A high total cholesterol with high HDL may not be concerning.

AHA - Cholesterol Levels

LDL Cholesterol

"Bad" Cholesterol

Measures: Low-density lipoprotein - deposits cholesterol in artery walls

Optimal: <100 mg/dL (optimal)

Borderline: 100-129 mg/dL (near optimal), 130-159 (borderline high)

High: 160-189 mg/dL (high), ≥190 (very high)

Primary target for treatment. Lower is better for heart health. People with heart disease or diabetes should aim for <70 mg/dL.

NHLBI - LDL Cholesterol|Full test guide

HDL Cholesterol

"Good" Cholesterol

Measures: High-density lipoprotein - removes cholesterol from arteries

Optimal: ≥60 mg/dL (protective)

Borderline: 40-59 mg/dL (acceptable)

High: <40 mg/dL (men) or <50 mg/dL (women) is LOW - increases risk

Higher is better. HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries to the liver. Exercise and healthy fats raise HDL.

AHA - HDL Cholesterol|Full test guide

Triglycerides

Measures: Fat in the blood from food and liver production

Optimal: <150 mg/dL (normal)

Borderline: 150-199 mg/dL (borderline high)

High: 200-499 mg/dL (high), ≥500 (very high - pancreatitis risk)

Elevated by sugar, alcohol, refined carbs, and obesity. Very high levels can cause pancreatitis. Best measured fasting.

AHA - Triglycerides|Full test guide

Non-HDL Cholesterol

Total - HDL

Measures: All "bad" cholesterol combined (LDL + VLDL + others)

Optimal: <130 mg/dL

Borderline: 130-159 mg/dL

High: ≥160 mg/dL

Better predictor of heart disease than LDL alone, especially with high triglycerides. Target is LDL goal + 30.

Cleveland Clinic - Non-HDL

VLDL Cholesterol

Very Low-Density Lipoprotein

Measures: Carries triglycerides; converts to LDL

Optimal: 5-40 mg/dL (usually estimated as triglycerides ÷ 5)

Borderline: N/A

High: Elevated with high triglycerides

Usually estimated, not directly measured. Contributes to plaque buildup.

Mayo Clinic - VLDL

Cholesterol Ratios

Ratios can be more predictive of heart disease risk than individual numbers:

Total/HDL Ratio<4.0(Total Cholesterol ÷ HDL)Lower is better. Above 5 indicates higher heart disease risk.

LDL/HDL Ratio<2.5(LDL ÷ HDL)Compares bad to good cholesterol. Lower indicates better balance.

Triglycerides/HDL Ratio<2.0(Triglycerides ÷ HDL)Marker for insulin resistance. Above 3.0 suggests metabolic issues.

Do I Need to Fast?

Traditional recommendation: Fast for 9-12 hours before a lipid panel.

Current evidence: Non-fasting lipid panels are acceptable for most people. LDL and HDL are minimally affected by food. Only triglycerides rise significantly after eating.

ACC - Fasting Not Routinely Required

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Related Resources

Heart Disease Guide LDL Cholesterol HDL Cholesterol Triglycerides CMP Panel