Lipid Panel with Direct LDL

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Cholesterol, LDL, LDL, LDL Cholesterol, Direct, Low Density Lipoprotein

Direct LDL

The test for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is used as part of a lipid profile to predict an individual's risk of developing heart disease. The LDL cholesterol is considered the most important form in determining risk of heart disease. LDL values amy be used to monitor levels after the start of diet or exercise programs or to determine whether or not prescribing one of the lipid-lowering drugs, such as statins, would be useful.

Also known as: Lipid Panel with Ratios (fasting), Lipid Profile with Ratios (fasting), Lipids

Chol/HDLC Ratio

Cholesterol, Total

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that occurs naturally in all parts of the body. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But if you have too much in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood and stick to the walls of your arteries. This is called plaque. Plaque can narrow your arteries or even block them. High levels of cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of heart disease. Your cholesterol levels tend to rise as you get older. There are usually no signs or symptoms that you have high blood cholesterol, but it can be detected with a blood test. You are likely to have high cholesterol if members of your family have it, if you are overweight or if you eat a lot of fatty foods. You can lower your cholesterol by exercising more and eating more fruits and vegetables. You also may need to take medicine to lower your cholesterol.

HDL Cholesterol

LDL-Cholesterol

LDL/HDL Ratio

Non HDL Cholesterol

Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of fat and a major source of energy for the body. This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood. Most triglycerides are found in fat (adipose) tissue, but some triglycerides circulate in the blood to provide fuel for muscles to work. After a person eats, an increased level of triglycerides is found in the blood as the body converts the energy not needed right away into fat. Triglycerides move via the blood from the gut to adipose tissue for storage. In between meals, triglycerides are released from fat tissue to be used as an energy source for the body. Most triglycerides are carried in the blood by lipoproteins called very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). High levels of triglycerides in the blood are associated with an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD), although the reason for this is not well understood. Certain factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels and to risk of CVD, including lack of exercise, being overweight, smoking cigarettes, consuming excess alcohol, and medical conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
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The Lipid Panel with Direct LDL panel contains 2 tests with 8 biomarkers.

Brief Description: The Lipid Panel with Direct LDL is a comprehensive blood test used to assess the levels of cholesterol and fats in the blood, which are critical indicators of heart health. This panel includes measurements of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and ratios that provide insights into cardiovascular risk.

Collection Method: Blood Draw 

Specimen Type: Serum 

Test Preparation: Patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection.

When and Why Is This Panel Ordered?

Healthcare providers often order this panel as part of routine health screenings, especially for individuals with risk factors for heart disease such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of cardiovascular issues. It's also crucial for monitoring patients with known heart conditions or those on lipid-lowering medications.

What's tested in the Lipid Panel with Direct LDL

  • Triglycerides: Measure the amount of fats in the blood, high levels of which can indicate an increased risk of heart disease.
  • Total Cholesterol: The sum of all types of cholesterol in the blood, providing a general overview of heart health.
  • HDL Cholesterol: Known as "good" cholesterol, higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
  • LDL Cholesterol & Direct LDL: Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing heart disease risk.
  • Non-HDL Cholesterol: Represents all the "bad" cholesterol types combined, offering another perspective on cardiovascular risk.
  • Chol/HDLC Ratio & LDL/HDL Ratio: These ratios compare levels of bad to good cholesterol, helping to further assess heart disease risk.

Detectable Conditions and Diseases

This panel is instrumental in identifying and managing various cardiovascular conditions:

  • Hyperlipidemia: Characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, this condition can lead to atherosclerosis if left untreated.
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The panel can indicate the risk level for CAD, a condition where narrowed or blocked arteries reduce blood flow to the heart.
  • Heart Attack Risk: By assessing lipid levels and ratios, the panel helps estimate the risk of heart attacks.
  • Stroke Risk: Similar to heart attack risk assessment, abnormal lipid levels can also indicate a higher risk of stroke.

Clinical Application of Results

Healthcare professionals use the panel's comprehensive results to guide treatment decisions. For patients with high cholesterol levels, lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise may be recommended, along with medications like statins. Regular monitoring with this panel helps assess the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments.

The Lipid Panel with Direct LDL is a cornerstone in cardiovascular health assessment, providing detailed insights into an individual's risk factors for heart disease and conditions related to cholesterol and lipid levels. Its comprehensive nature allows for targeted interventions, enhancing patient care and preventive health strategies.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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