What is the purpose of this test?
The Lipid Blood Test Panel Plus Hemoglobin A1C and Glucose is a group of blood tests commonly ordered by doctors to assess a patient's risk for developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other health conditions. The Lipid Blood Test Panel measures various types of cholesterol (HDL, LDL, and VLDL) and triglyceride levels in the blood. In contrast, Hemoglobin A1C and Glucose tests measure blood sugar levels over a period of time.
The Lipid Blood Test Panel Plus Hemoglobin A1C and Glucose measures the following:
- 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.
- Hemoglobin A1c - Measures the average blood sugar level over the past 2 to 3 months. The Hemoglobin A1c test is typically used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
- Glucose - Measures the blood sugar level at a specific point in time. The glucose test can diagnose various conditions, including diabetes, hypoglycemia, and hyperglycemia.
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 Blood Test Panel Plus Hemoglobin A1C and Glucose?
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
Sample Report
Preparation:
Patient should maintain a stable diet for 2–3 weeks before blood collection and fast for 12–14 hours prior. Stop biotin 72 hours before collection.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Details:
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This test includes the following:
- Total Cholesterol
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
- Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol (calculation)
- Triglycerides
- Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL) Cholesterol (calculation) (LabCorp Only)
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