Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
8
Duration
30 min
Results
24 hours
Comprehensive blood test to analyze cholesterol levels and assess cardiovascular risks.
A lipid panel measures the fats and fatty substances in your blood that are key indicators of cardiovascular risk. The standard panel includes total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and triglycerides. Advanced panels may also measure ApoB, Lp(a), and lipoprotein particle size — markers that more accurately predict heart disease risk than standard cholesterol alone. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide, and lipid testing is one of the most effective tools for early risk detection. Regular monitoring allows you to track the impact of diet, exercise, and medication on your cardiovascular health.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- 4–8 lipid markers
- Fasting Required
- Yes, 10–12 hours for accurate triglycerides
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Turnaround
- Same day to 24 hours
- Common Use
- Cardiovascular risk assessment
Who Is This For?
Adults over 20 as part of routine cardiovascular risk screening. Anyone with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or stroke. People monitoring the effectiveness of statins or other lipid-lowering medications. Those with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or obesity who face elevated cardiovascular risk.
What's Included
Preparation Required
A 12-hour fast is required for an accurate triglyceride reading. Water is permitted; avoid food, alcohol, and sugary drinks beforehand.
Panel Categories
Biomarkers Tested
8The main protein component of HDL cholesterol particles. Higher ApoA1 levels reflect more HDL particles and are associated with lower cardiovascular risk. The ApoB/ApoA1 ratio is a powerful predictor of heart disease.
The primary protein on LDL and VLDL particles. Each atherogenic lipoprotein particle carries exactly one ApoB molecule, making it a direct measure of the number of particles that can enter artery walls. Considered a superior predictor of cardiovascular risk compared to LDL cholesterol.
Often called 'good' cholesterol, HDL carries cholesterol away from arteries back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. Exercise, healthy fats, and moderate alcohol intake can raise HDL.
Often called 'bad' cholesterol, LDL deposits cholesterol in artery walls, contributing to plaque buildup and atherosclerosis. LDL is the primary target for cardiovascular risk reduction through diet, exercise, and medication.
Lp(a) is a cholesterol-carrying particle linked to genetic risk for heart disease. High levels increase cardiovascular risk.
The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood, including HDL, LDL, and VLDL. While useful as an overview, the breakdown between HDL and LDL is more clinically meaningful for assessing cardiovascular risk.
The most common type of fat in the body, stored for energy. Elevated triglycerides — often from excess sugar, alcohol, or calories — increase cardiovascular risk and can cause pancreatitis at very high levels.
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Duration
- 30 min
- Results
- 24 hours