Lipids are fats and fat-like substances that are found in your bloodstream. Lipids are important in supporting bodily functions, but high levels of lipids can put a person at risk for cardiovascular disease. With a Cardio Health Screen, cholesterol, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins, very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL), and triglycerides are measured to assess your risk for heart disease.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol. Having high levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries and result in heart disease or stroke.
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol. HDL is known as “good” cholesterol because high levels can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood that your body uses for energy. The combination of high levels of triglycerides with low HDL cholesterol or high LDL cholesterol levels can increase your risk for heart attack and stroke.
Total cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your blood based on your HDL, LDL, and triglycerides numbers.
Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years.
Some people, such as people who have heart disease or diabetes or who have a family history of high cholesterol, need to get their cholesterol checked more often.
Children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked at least once between ages 9 and 11 and again between ages 17 and 21.
You may need to fast (not eat or drink) for 8 to 12 hours before your Lipid Panel or also known as cholesterol test.
High cholesterol usually has no signs or symptoms.
The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked. A Lipid Panel or Lipid Profile test measure your cholesterol levels.
