Lipid panel
Lipid Panel
A Lipid Panel (pronounced: lih-pid pan-el), also known as a lipid profile or lipid test, is a blood test that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Etymology
The term "lipid" is derived from the Greek word "lipos", which means fat. "Panel" in this context refers to a comprehensive set of tests.
Description
A lipid panel is used to identify the levels of specific types of fats in the blood, including:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Often referred to as "bad cholesterol", high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Known as "good cholesterol", HDL helps remove LDL from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Triglycerides: These are a type of fat found in the blood. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.
- Total cholesterol: This is a sum of your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels.
A lipid panel is often ordered as part of a routine physical exam. It is an important tool in assessing the risk of heart disease and other conditions related to high cholesterol levels.
Related Terms
- Cholesterol: A waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body.
- Triglycerides: The most common type of fat in the body, they are used to provide energy to your body.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): One of the five major groups of lipoproteins, which transport all fat molecules around the body.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): One of the five major groups of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are complex particles composed of multiple proteins which transport all fat molecules around the body.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lipid panel
- Wikipedia's article - Lipid panel
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