Lipid Profile

Test Name Fasting Required? What It Measures Clinical Relevance Ideal/Target Range

• Total Cholesterol
  • Fasting: Preferred
  • Measures: The total amount of cholesterol (HDL + LDL + VLDL) in the blood
  • High levels are associated with increased heart disease risk
  • Low levels can be seen in malnutrition or liver disease
  • Ideal Range:< 200 mg/dL
• HDL – Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein
  • Fasting: Preferred
  • Measures: “Good” cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from arteries
  • Higher HDL = better cardiovascular protection
  • Ideal Range:
    • Men: > 40 mg/dL
    • Women: > 50 mg/dL
    • Optimal: > 60 mg/dL (protective)
• LDL – Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
  • Fasting: Yes
  • Measures: “Bad” cholesterol that contributes to plaque buildup in arteries
  • Elevated LDL = major risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart attack
  • Ideal Range:
    • < 100 mg/dL = Optimal
    • 100–129 mg/dL = Near optimal
    • 130–159 mg/dL = Borderline high
    • ≥160 mg/dL = High
• VLDL – Cholesterol (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein)
  • Fasting: Yes
  • Measures: Transports triglycerides; precursor to LDL
  • High VLDL = increased triglyceride-rich particles → heart risk
  • Ideal Range:2–30 mg/dL
• Triglycerides
  • Fasting: Yes (strict 9–12 hours)
  • Measures: Fat in the blood used for energy storage
  • High levels = risk for heart disease, pancreatitis, insulin resistance
  • Ideal Range:
    • <150 mg/dL = Normal
    • 150–199 mg/dL = Borderline
    • 200–499 mg/dL = High
    • ≥500 mg/dL = Very high
• Non-HDL Cholesterol
  • Fasting: Preferred
  • Measures: Total cholesterol minus HDL (includes all “bad” particles: LDL, VLDL, IDL)
  • Better predictor of heart disease than LDL alone
  • Ideal Range:<130 mg/dL (or 30 mg/dL higher than LDL target)
• Cholesterol / HDL Ratio
  • Fasting: Preferred
  • Measures: Balance between total cholesterol and protective HDL
  • Lower ratio = lower risk
  • Ideal Ratio:< 4.5 (optimal <3.5)
• LDL / HDL Ratio
  • Fasting: Yes
  • Measures: Balance between bad and good cholesterol
  • More accurate than LDL alone in predicting atherosclerosis risk
  • Ideal Ratio:
    • < 2.5 = Optimal
    • > 3.5 = High risk

Summary Table

Recommended Conjunctive Tests