A lipid panel (also called a lipid profile or cholesterol test) measures the levels of fats in your blood. It is one of the most important tests for assessing your risk of heart disease and stroke. Here is what each result means.
Components of a Lipid Panel
| Test | Desirable Level | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | <5.2 mmol/L | Overall blood cholesterol — includes LDL and HDL |
| LDL Cholesterol | <3.4 mmol/L (lower is better) | "Bad" cholesterol — contributes to plaque in arteries |
| HDL Cholesterol | >1.0 mmol/L (men) / >1.2 mmol/L (women) | "Good" cholesterol — helps clear LDL from the blood |
| Triglycerides | <1.7 mmol/L | Blood fats from diet and stored energy |
| Total/HDL Ratio | <5.0 | Cardiovascular risk ratio — lower is better |
Note: Target levels vary depending on your individual cardiovascular risk. Patients with diabetes, existing heart disease or other risk factors are typically given lower LDL targets by their doctor.
LDL — "Bad" Cholesterol
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) carries cholesterol through your bloodstream. At high levels, LDL can deposit into artery walls and form plaques — the process of atherosclerosis. This narrows arteries and raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
LDL is the primary target of cholesterol-lowering treatment (statins). The lower your LDL, the lower your cardiovascular risk — especially if you already have heart disease or diabetes.
HDL — "Good" Cholesterol
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transports it to the liver for removal. Higher HDL levels are protective against heart disease. Low HDL is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events.
Exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking are the most effective ways to raise HDL levels.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. High levels are often linked to a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, obesity, diabetes and excessive alcohol intake. Very high triglycerides can also cause pancreatitis.
How to Improve Your Cholesterol Profile
- Reduce saturated fat intake (red meat, full-fat dairy, processed foods)
- Increase fibre — oats, beans, vegetables and fruit
- Exercise regularly — at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week
- Quit smoking — smoking lowers HDL and damages artery walls
- Lose weight if overweight — even a 5–10% reduction in body weight improves lipid profiles significantly
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Take medications as prescribed — statins are safe, effective and well-tolerated for most patients