A Lipid Panel, also known as a cholesterol test, is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of fats in the blood. It is an essential tool for evaluating heart health and assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attack and stroke. The lipid panel typically includes the following components: 1. Total Cholesterol: Measures the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood, including both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. Elevated levels can increase the risk of heart disease. 2. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: Often called good cholesterol, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion. Higher HDL levels are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. 3. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Known as bad cholesterol, LDL can build up in the walls of arteries, leading to plaque formation and increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. Lower LDL levels are desirable for heart health. 4. Triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood, triglycerides store unused calories. High levels of triglycerides are often linked to obesity, diabetes, and increased cardiovascular risk. In some cases, the test may also calculate the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL or assess non-HDL cholesterol levels for a more comprehensive evaluation.