What is the purpose of this test?
Order this Lipid Panel Blood Test Plus Hemoglobin (HB) A1c to measure fats in the blood, and the average glucose level from over 12 weeks, to screen for cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes. The lipid panel is the most commonly used test to evaluate cardiovascular disease risk by analyzing the blood's good and bad cholesterol (fat). Excessive amounts of cholesterol cause build-up in the blood vessels and artery walls, damaging them and increasing the risk of problems like heart disease, stroke, and heart attack. This test measures different types of fats in a blood sample, such as:
- Cholesterol, Total - A measurement used to assess heart health. Cholesterol is required by your body to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
- Triglycerides - Surplus fats transported in the bloodstream and provide energy to the body.
- HDL Cholesterol - High-density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol, take cholesterol away from the cells and transport it back to the liver for removal or processing.
- LDL Cholesterol - Low-density lipoproteins (calculation), or "bad" cholesterol, contain the highest percentage of cholesterol and are responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls.
- VLDL Cholesterol - contains the highest amount of triglycerides. VLDL is a type of "bad cholesterol" because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries.
In addition, it provides the hemoglobin A1c level, or average glucose level, from over 12 weeks. As a result, individuals with type 2 diabetes may have high cholesterol levels, also. With type 2 diabetes, the body cannot regulate or use glucose (sugar) as it should. This leads to excessive levels of glucose in the blood, which can also result in other health conditions, including high cholesterol. However, even individuals with well-controlled blood sugar type 2 diabetes may experience cholesterol problems due to high levels of triglycerides, low HDL levels, or higher LDL cholesterol levels (diabetic dyslipidemia). One key reason diabetes is related to heart disease is that individuals with diabetes have LDL particles that are smaller and denser. This allows them to invade blood vessel walls and create plaque in the arteries.
The Lipid Panel Blood Test Panel Plus Hemoglobin (HB) A1c is best used to:
- Monitor individuals with a high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Diagnose certain underlying health conditions.
- Monitor treatment effectiveness in reducing cardiovascular disease risk.
- Monitor average glucose levels in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes.
What can increase my risk of cardiovascular disease?
Several health conditions or factors may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). For example, individuals meeting one or more of the following factors have an increased risk of heart disease or CVD:
- Being over 45 years old for men and over 50-55 for women
- High cholesterol levels
- Diabetes or prediabetes
- History of cardiovascular problems
- Overweight
- Smoking
- Unhealthy diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High blood pressure
- Family history of heart disease at an early age (under 55 in men and under 65 in women)
When should I order a Lipid Panel Blood Test Plus Hemoglobin (HB) A1c?
Individuals may order this test if they have an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Common signs or symptoms of CVD include:
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Heart attack or stroke
- Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
- Swollen legs, ankles, or feet
LC Sample ReportQD Sample Report
Preparation:
Patient should maintain a stable diet for 2–3 weeks before blood collection and fast for 12–14 hours prior. Stop biotin 72 hours before collection.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Details:
"
This test includes the following:
- Total Cholesterol
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol (calculation)
- Triglycerides
- Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol (calculation) (LabCorp Only)
"
