Lipid Panel Blood Test With LDL:HDL Ratio

What is the purpose of this test?

Order this Lipid Panel Blood Test With LDL: HDL Ratio Blood Test, which measures the amount of lipids, including different types of cholesterol, to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular disease, also known as heart disease, is a serious health concern that affects a large number of Americans. In fact, it is responsible for one out of every three deaths in the country. In addition to this, heart disease and stroke together cost almost $1 billion per day in medical expenses and lost productivity.

Blood screening tests, such as lipid panels, are a valuable resource for assessing cardiovascular health. These tests can identify potential health issues such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which may require treatment. Moreover, they can help determine whether further testing is necessary for conditions like heart failure or stroke. Early detection of these issues through blood screening tests enables individuals to take necessary measures to manage and treat them before they become more serious.

The Lipid Panel Blood Test With LDL: HDL Ratio Blood Test measures the following lipids:

• Cholesterol, Total - A measurement used to assess heart health. Cholesterol is required by your body to build healthy cells, but high cholesterol levels can increase your risk of heart disease.
• Triglycerides - Surplus fats transported in the bloodstream and provide energy to the body.
• HDL Cholesterol - High-density lipoproteins, or "good" cholesterol, take cholesterol away from the cells and transport it back to the liver for removal or processing.
• LDL Cholesterol - Low-density lipoproteins (calculation), or "bad" cholesterol, contain the highest percentage of cholesterol and are responsible for depositing cholesterol on the artery walls.
• LDL/HDL Ratio - LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is a measure of two types of lipids in the blood. LDL is considered bad, while HDL is good. The liver produces both to transport fats and cholesterol. A lower LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio is ideal, as a high ratio means an excess of LDL compared to HDL.
• VLDL Cholesterol - (VLDL included in LabCorp Only) contains the highest amount of triglycerides. VLDL is a type of "bad cholesterol" because it helps cholesterol build up on the walls of arteries.
• Non-HDL Cholesterol - (Non-HDL included in Quest Only) Non-HDL cholesterol is calculated by subtracting HDL cholesterol from total cholesterol. It provides a better assessment of heart disease risk than measuring only LDL levels, especially if triglycerides are high.

What can increase my risk of high cholesterol?

Several health conditions or factors may increase the risk of high cholesterol. For example, individuals meeting one or more of the following factors have an increased risk of high cholesterol and potentially CVD:

• Being over 45 years old for men and over 50-55 for women
• Previous high cholesterol levels
• History of cardiovascular problems
• Overweight
• Smoking
• Unhealthy diet
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High blood pressure
• Family history of heart disease at an early age (under 55 in men and under 65 in women)
• Diabetes or prediabetes

When should I order a Lipid Panel Blood Test With LDL: HDL Ratio Blood Test?

Individuals may order this test if they have experienced symptoms related to an increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Common signs or symptoms of CVD include:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Fainting
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Heart attack or stroke
• Irregular heartbeats or palpitations
• Swollen legs, ankles, or feet