A cholesterol panel (lipid panel) measures different types of fats in your blood. Understanding these numbers is key to assessing your heart disease risk.
What's Measured
- Total Cholesterol: The sum of all cholesterol in your blood
- HDL ('Good' Cholesterol): Higher is better—helps remove bad cholesterol
- LDL ('Bad' Cholesterol): Lower is better—can build up in arteries
- Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood
Target Levels
HDL: 60 mg/dL or higher is optimal
LDL: Less than 100 mg/dL is optimal
Triglycerides: Less than 150 mg/dL
How Often Should You Test?
Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4-6 years. Those with risk factors like family history, obesity, or diabetes may need more frequent testing.
Improving Your Numbers
Lifestyle changes can significantly improve cholesterol levels:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet low in saturated fats
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes per week)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking
- Limit alcohol consumption