Lipid Panel — LDL, HDL, Triglycerides
A lipid panel measures LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Too much LDL raises coronary artery disease risk, and your own LDL goal depends on your risk.
A lipid panel measures the main fats in your blood — LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides — and too much LDL increases the risk of coronary artery disease. Your own LDL goal depends on your risk, and it is set with your clinician.
Watch the 37-second version
Three numbers on one line, and the ratio between two of them tells you more than any single one.
Transcript & sources → All videosMr. Age is AgeGen's editorial character. Facts come from the protocol above.
The biomarker
- Name: Lipid Panel — LDL, HDL, Triglycerides
- Units: mg/dL
- Standard reference range: LDL generally below 100; HDL at least 40 (men) / 50 (women); triglycerides below 150 (ranges vary by lab)
- Targets named by the source: per MedlinePlus, HDL above 60 is desired; LDL below 70 for people at high risk or with diabetes, and below 55 after a heart attack or stroke
How to read your result
| Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| LDL > 100 | Above the general target — ask your clinician what your own LDL goal should be |
| HDL < 40 (men) / < 50 (women) | Below the level NHLBI gives for a healthy lipid profile |
| HDL > 60 | Desired, per MedlinePlus |
| TG 150–199 | Borderline high, per MedlinePlus |
| TG ≥ 200 | High, per MedlinePlus |
What moves the needle
- Diet. A heart-healthy eating plan.
- Weight. Weight management.
- Movement. Regular physical activity.
- Your goal. Ask your clinician what your own numbers should be — they depend on age, blood pressure, weight, family history and more.
- Preparation. Fast 9 to 12 hours before the test (water only), or as your lab instructs.
Why this test is worth asking for
- Too much LDL cholesterol increases the risk of coronary artery disease and other heart diseases.
- High triglycerides together with high LDL or low HDL can increase that risk further, which is why the numbers are read together.
- The panel gives you and your clinician the numbers to set your own LDL goal.
Related protocols
- Lp(a) — Genetic Cardiovascular Risk
- ApoB — Cardiovascular Risk Marker
- Omega-3 Index — EPA + DHA Blood Test
Sources
- MedlinePlus — Cholesterol Levels
- MedlinePlus — Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — High blood cholesterol levels
- NHLBI — Blood Cholesterol: Diagnosis
AgeGen lab guides are educational only. We do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe brands, or recommend specific doses. Talk to a licensed clinician before changing your supplement or medication routine.
