Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance necessary for building healthy cells, but too much of it circulating in the bloodstream can lead to serious health complications. To assess the amount present, a standard blood test known as a lipid panel or lipoprotein profile is used. This comprehensive test measures the various fats, or lipids, in your blood to help determine your risk for developing cardiovascular disease. The results offer specific numerical data that provide insight into the potential for plaque buildup, a process called atherosclerosis, within your arteries.
Preparing for the Cholesterol Test
The preparation steps you need to take depend on the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Traditionally, a fasting period of nine to twelve hours was standard to ensure the most accurate measurement of triglycerides. Since triglycerides are fat molecules directly influenced by a recent meal, fasting creates a baseline measurement unaffected by food intake. Current medical guidelines increasingly permit non-fasting lipid panels for routine screening, as total cholesterol and High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) levels are less affected by food. Fasting may still be necessary if you have a history of very high triglycerides or when your doctor needs to establish a precise baseline.
It is also important to discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking with your doctor, as certain drugs can temporarily influence lipid levels.
The Testing Process
The cholesterol test is a simple, quick procedure typically performed at a doctor’s office or a dedicated laboratory facility. A trained phlebotomist or nurse uses a technique called venipuncture to draw a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. The physical act of the blood draw takes only a few minutes. Once at the laboratory, the sample is processed to separate the liquid component, or plasma, which contains the lipids. Technicians use specialized analytical machines to measure the concentrations, and the results are sent back to your healthcare provider within a few days to a week.
Decoding Your Cholesterol Numbers
The lipid panel report provides four main numerical values, each representing a distinct type of fat or fat-carrying particle in your blood.
Total Cholesterol
This number represents the overall sum of cholesterol in your blood, including both the “good” and “bad” types. For most healthy adults, the goal is generally to keep this total value below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
LDL is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to fatty plaque buildup in artery walls. High concentrations of LDL are a primary risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The goal is to keep this level low, typically below 100 mg/dL for healthy individuals. If you have existing heart disease or other risk factors, your target LDL level may be significantly lower, such as below 70 mg/dL.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the arteries and transports it back to the liver for removal. A higher HDL level is considered beneficial for heart health. Levels of 60 mg/dL or greater offer substantial protection. Conversely, levels below 40 mg/dL are often a cause for concern and may indicate increased risk.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, storing excess energy from your diet. Elevated triglyceride levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when combined with high LDL and low HDL. The desirable range for triglycerides is below 150 mg/dL. Specific targets should always be discussed with your medical professional based on your personal health profile.