Lipid Panel: Understanding Your Cholesterol and Triglyceride Results
Lipid Panel: Understanding Your Cholesterol and Triglyceride Results
Medically reviewed by the HealthMatters clinical team
Last updated: February 7, 2026
A lipid panel is a blood test that measures cholesterol and triglycerides in your bloodstream. These markers help assess cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and long-term disease risk. A lipid panel is one of the most commonly ordered lab tests and is often included in routine health screening, annual physicals, and preventive care evaluations.
If you are reviewing your lipid panel results, this guide explains what each marker means, what is considered optimal, and what steps you can take if your numbers fall outside the recommended range.
What is a lipid panel?
A lipid panel (also called a cholesterol panel or lipid profile) measures different types of fats in your blood. These fats are essential for hormone production, cell structure, and energy storage, but abnormal levels can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and metabolic conditions.
A standard lipid panel typically includes total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Some panels also report VLDL and non-HDL cholesterol.
This test helps identify early cardiovascular risk and can guide decisions about lifestyle changes, prevention strategies, and treatment.
What does a lipid panel measure?
Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol reflects the combined amount of cholesterol circulating in your blood. While useful as an overview, it does not distinguish between protective and harmful cholesterol types, so it must be interpreted alongside other markers.
LDL cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is often referred to as “bad cholesterol.” Elevated LDL can contribute to plaque buildup in arteries, which may increase the risk of heart attack and stroke over time.
HDL cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is considered “good cholesterol.” HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for processing. Higher HDL levels are generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat used for energy storage. Elevated triglycerides can signal metabolic imbalance, insulin resistance, or increased cardiovascular risk.
VLDL cholesterol
Very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) carries triglycerides through the bloodstream. It is often calculated based on triglyceride levels and can contribute to plaque formation.
Non-HDL cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol includes all cholesterol that is not HDL. This marker reflects the total amount of potentially harmful cholesterol particles and is considered a strong predictor of cardiovascular risk.
Optimal lipid panel ranges
Optimal ranges may vary depending on personal risk factors, but general reference ranges are:
| Marker | Optimal | Borderline | Higher Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | <200 mg/dL | 200–239 | ≥240 |
| LDL Cholesterol | <100 mg/dL | 100–129 | ≥130 |
| HDL Cholesterol | ≥60 mg/dL | 40–59 | <40 |
| Triglycerides | <100 mg/dL | 100–149 | ≥150 |
| Non-HDL Cholesterol | <130 mg/dL | 130–159 | ≥160 |
Individuals with existing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or strong family history may have lower target ranges.
How to interpret your lipid panel results
Looking at a single number rarely provides the full picture. Instead, clinicians evaluate patterns across all lipid markers together with personal risk factors.
High LDL cholesterol
Elevated LDL may increase the risk of plaque buildup in arteries. Over time, this can lead to atherosclerosis, heart disease, or stroke.
LDL may be elevated due to:
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Diet high in saturated or trans fats
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Genetic factors
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Low physical activity
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Insulin resistance
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Smoking
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Chronic inflammation
Reducing LDL often involves lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication.
Low HDL cholesterol
Low HDL may reduce the body’s ability to remove excess cholesterol from circulation. This can increase cardiovascular risk, particularly when combined with high LDL or high triglycerides.
Low HDL is commonly associated with:
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Sedentary lifestyle
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Smoking
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Obesity
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Insulin resistance
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Poor metabolic health
Increasing physical activity and improving metabolic health can help raise HDL levels.
High triglycerides
Elevated triglycerides may signal metabolic dysfunction and are often linked to insulin resistance and high carbohydrate intake.
Common contributors include:
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Excess sugar or refined carbohydrates
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Alcohol intake
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Obesity
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Diabetes
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Thyroid imbalance
Very high triglycerides may increase the risk of pancreatitis and cardiovascular disease.
What causes abnormal lipid levels?
Lipid levels are influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions.
Factors that may raise cholesterol or triglycerides include:
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Diet high in processed foods or saturated fats
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Physical inactivity
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Smoking
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Excess body weight
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Diabetes or insulin resistance
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Thyroid disorders
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Chronic stress or inflammation
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Genetic lipid disorders
Identifying the root cause can help guide treatment and prevention strategies.
How to improve lipid panel results
Many people can improve lipid levels through targeted lifestyle changes.
Nutrition
A heart-healthy eating pattern can help lower LDL and triglycerides while supporting HDL levels. Focus on:
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Fiber-rich foods such as vegetables, legumes, and whole grains
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Healthy fats from olive oil, nuts, and fatty fish
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Reducing refined sugar and ultra-processed foods
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Limiting trans fats and excess saturated fat
Physical activity
Regular exercise can improve lipid balance and metabolic health. Both aerobic exercise and strength training can help lower LDL, reduce triglycerides, and raise HDL.
Weight and metabolic health
Improving insulin sensitivity and reducing excess body fat can significantly improve triglycerides and LDL levels.
Supplements and medications
In some cases, clinicians may recommend targeted therapies such as omega-3 fatty acids, plant sterols, statins, or other lipid-lowering medications. Treatment decisions should be individualized based on overall risk.
Advanced lipid testing
While a standard lipid panel provides valuable information, additional tests may offer deeper insight into cardiovascular risk.
Advanced testing may include:
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Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
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Lipoprotein(a)
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LDL particle number
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Inflammatory markers
These tests can help refine risk assessment, particularly for individuals with family history of heart disease or unclear results from standard testing.
When should you get a lipid panel?
Lipid testing is typically recommended:
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Every 4–6 years for healthy adults
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More frequently if levels are elevated
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If you have diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or cardiovascular risk factors
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When monitoring lifestyle or medication changes
Some lipid panels require fasting, though many modern tests can be performed without fasting.
Frequently asked questions
What does a lipid panel measure?
A lipid panel measures cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood to assess cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Is high cholesterol always dangerous?
Risk depends on the type of cholesterol, overall health, and other risk factors. LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and non-HDL cholesterol should be evaluated together.
Can lifestyle changes improve cholesterol?
Yes. Nutrition, exercise, weight management, and metabolic health can significantly influence lipid levels.
What is the most important number on a lipid panel?
LDL and non-HDL cholesterol are key indicators of cardiovascular risk, but interpretation should consider the full panel and personal risk factors.
Should I worry about slightly elevated cholesterol?
Mild elevations may be manageable with lifestyle changes. Risk depends on overall patterns, family history, and metabolic health.
The bottom line
A lipid panel is one of the most important tools for assessing cardiovascular and metabolic health. Understanding how LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol work together can help identify early risk and guide prevention strategies.
Regular testing, informed interpretation, and targeted lifestyle changes can play a significant role in improving long-term health outcomes.
Clinical and research sources
American Heart Association. Understanding cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.
European Society of Cardiology. Guidelines for the management of dyslipidemias.
National Lipid Association. Recommendations for lipid testing and cardiovascular prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cholesterol and heart disease risk factors.
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Screening for lipid disorders in adults.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
The marker %sdLDL-C refers to the percentage of small, dense low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in your blood. To understand this, let's break down the components. Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in all the cells of your body and is n
Learn moreStudies have shown that the ratio of apolipoprotein A-1:apolipoprotein B may correlate better with increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) than total cholesterol, and LDL:HDL ratio.
Learn moreApoA-I, or Apolipoprotein A-I, plays a crucial role in understanding heart health and managing potential risks related to cardiovascular diseases. ApoA-I is the main protein component of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) in the blood. HDL is often refer
Learn moreApolipoprotein E (APOE) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of fats (lipids) in the body. It is primarily involved in transporting cholesterol and other lipids through the bloodstream to be used, stored, or eliminated. APOE is a
Learn moreThe CHD Risk is based on the T. Chol/HDL ratio. Other factors affect CHD Risk such as hypertension, smoking, diabetes, severe obesity, and family history of premature CHD.
Learn moreFibrinogen is a key marker included in the Inflammation and Oxidation Test panel by Boston Heart Diagnostics, primarily due to its critical role in the body's clotting process and its association with inflammation. Essentially, fibrinogen is a bl
Learn moreGlycomark (1,5-anhydroglucitol) indicates poor control of blood glucose spikes; specifically frequent hyperglycemic events over the past two weeks (not evidentfrom HbA1c). Postprandial hyperglycemia is associated with Cardiovascular disease and
Learn moreMonitoring the HDL % of Total Cholesterol is a valuable tool in assessing cardiovascular health. A higher HDL percentage indicates a more favorable cholesterol profile and a reduced risk of heart disease. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle through pr
Learn moreHigh-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) or “good” cholesterol is known to decrease the risk of heart attack and stroke by removing “bad” cholesterol from the blood. It is typically assessed through a lipid profile, w
Learn moreThe ratio of high density lipoprotein cholesterol/triglycerides is a calculated measure. Optimal: >0.50 Borderline: 0.25–0.50 Increased Risk: <0.25
Learn moreHigh-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a blood marker of inflammation produced by the liver. Because it can detect very low levels of inflammation, hs-CRP is widely used to assess cardiovascular risk, monitor chronic inflammatory conditions,
Learn moreIDL Cholesterol is a plasma lipoprotein. Cholesterol and triglycerides are insoluble in water and therefore these lipids must be transported in association with proteins. Lipoproteins are complex particles with a central core containing choleste
Learn moreLow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is a critical biomarker in assessing cardiovascular health, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol due to its association with increased risk of heart disease. LDL-C is one of the primary lipoprotein
Learn moreLDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is the ratio of two types of lipids in the blood. LDL stands for low density lipoprotein or “bad cholesterol” and HDL stands for high density lipoprotein or “good cholesterol.”
Learn moreThe ratio of leptin to adiponectin appears to be a sensitive indicator for a variety of adverse health conditions. Leptin is a hormone produced by adipocytes to provide a satiety signal to the hypothalamus. Elevated circulating levels of leptin ar
Learn moreMPO identifies vulnerable plaque due to the breakdown of cells lining the blood vessels. This breakdown leads to white blood cells attacking the vessel wall and marks the progression of cardiovascular disease. Your result is in the desirable range su
Learn moreYour non-HDL cholesterol result refers to your total cholesterol value minus your HDL cholesterol. Your lipid panel results normally include four numbers: - low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol; - high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol;
Learn moreOxidized LDL is LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) that has been modified by oxidation. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation leading to the formation of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL may also play
Learn moreOxidized LDL is LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) that has been modified by oxidation. Oxidized LDL triggers inflammation leading to the formation of plaque in the arteries, also known as atherosclerosis. Oxidized LDL may also play
Learn moreThe PLAC test is used to determine Lp-PLA2 in serum or plasma. Lp-PLA2 stands for Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2. The test is used to determine your cardiovascular risk disease, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke associated with
Learn moreLipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2), also known as platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase, is an inflammatory enzyme that circulates bound mainly to low-density lipoproteins and has been found to be localized and enriched in at
Learn moreSmall dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c) has been established to be highly associated with metabolic disorder. Small dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL-c), is a distinct LDL cholesterol subclass, which is associated with raised TG and decreased HDL-c level
Learn moreTotal Cholesterol
Your total cholesterol score is calculated using the following equation: HDL + LDL + 20 percent of your triglyceride level. With HDL cholesterol, higher levels are better. Low HDL cholesterol puts you at a higher risk for heart disease. With LDL c
Learn moreThe total cholesterol /HDL ratio is the proportion of one type of cholesterol to all the other cholesterol in the blood. Total cholesterol includes three substances HDL, LDL, and VLDL.
Learn moreTriglycerides are a type of fat and the primary way our bodies store unused energy. While triglycerides are necessary for a healthy life, excessive amounts can put you at a higher risk for developing cardiovascular disease. Typically, a healthcare pr
Learn moreThe Triglycerides to HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) Ratio is a metric that is often used in the medical field to evaluate cardiovascular risk. This ratio is calculated by dividing the triglyceride level by the HDL cholesterol level, both of which are
Learn moreThis is a ratio calculated by dividing very low density lipoprotein cholesterol by triglycerides. A high ratio is linked to abnormal lipid metabolism and increased risk of CVD events. Optimal: <0.20 Borderline: 0.20 – 0.30 Increa
Learn moreThe VLDL-C/TG Ratio is a specialized marker used to evaluate your cardiovascular health more accurately. VLDL stands for Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, which is one of the five major types of lipoproteins that transport fats and chole
Learn more