Lipid Panel Blood Test With Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Lipid Panel Blood Test with Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio, which measures blood lipids to assess cardiovascular risk and track cholesterol treatment effectiveness. The test measures several types of lipids, including total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, and triglycerides. The ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol, an important cardiovascular health indicator, is also calculated. A Lipid Panel Blood Test can benefit a patient by identifying potential risk factors for heart disease early on, allowing for early intervention and prevention. It can also help healthcare providers to monitor the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering medications and lifestyle changes.

The Lipid Panel Blood Test with Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio measures the following:

• 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.
• VLDL Cholesterol - (VLDL included in LabCorp Only) contains the highest amount of triglycerides. VLDL is a type of "bad cholesterol" because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries.
• 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.
• Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio - The Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio is a critical indicator of the balance between good and bad cholesterol in the body. A ratio of less than 5:1 is considered optimal, while a ratio higher than 6:1 indicates an increased risk of developing heart disease.

What can increase my risk of high cholesterol?

Several health conditions or factors may increase the risk of high cholesterol. For example, individuals meeting one or more of the following factors have an increased risk of high cholesterol and potentially CVD:

• Being over 45 years old for men and over 50-55 for women
• Previous high cholesterol levels
• 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)
• Diabetes or prediabetes

When should I order a Lipid Panel Blood Test with Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to 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