Lipid panelLipid profile · Cholesterol test

A standard lipid panel reports total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides, usually with non-HDL cholesterol calculated from them. LDL is most often estimated rather than measured directly, using an equation that becomes unreliable when triglycerides are high.

It matters because it is the routine first look at cardiovascular risk, and it is cheap and widely available. Its limitation is that it counts cholesterol carried, not the number of particles carrying it — which is why ApoB is the more precise marker where the two disagree.

In practice, fasting is no longer required for a standard panel in most guidelines. Results should be read alongside blood pressure, smoking status, family history and glucose markers rather than in isolation, and any decision about treatment belongs with your doctor.