Cholesterol levels are measured using a simple blood test called a lipid panel or lipoprotein profile. This test measures various types of cholesterol and fats in your blood.
What the Lipid Panel Measures:
- Total Cholesterol: This represents the sum of all cholesterol types in your blood.
- HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "good" cholesterol, HDL helps remove cholesterol from arteries.
- LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often called "bad" cholesterol, high LDL levels contribute to plaque buildup in arteries. While total and HDL cholesterol are directly measured, LDL cholesterol is usually calculated using a formula involving total cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Direct measurement of LDL is more complex.
- Triglycerides: Another type of fat molecule in the blood, high levels are linked to heart disease risk.
The Test Procedure:
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. Before the test, you'll typically need to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 9-12 hours. This ensures accurate results. The blood sample is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Medical devices called chemistry analyzers measure the cholesterol levels in the sample. They measure the color of the blood sample, which shows the cholesterol concentration.
Units of Measurement:
Cholesterol levels are typically measured in:
- Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL): Commonly used in the United States.
- Millimoles per liter (mmol/L): Used in Canada and many European countries.
Your doctor will interpret your results and explain what they mean for your health. They will consider your cholesterol levels along with other risk factors to assess your heart disease risk.
