8 min - BioSense Team - 2025-08-15
- cholesterol
- cardiovascular
- prevention
- lab tests
Understanding Your Lipid Panel
Note: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.
A lipid panel is an essential blood test to assess your cardiovascular risk. It measures different types of fats in your blood.
Components of the Lipid Panel
### Total Cholesterol - Normal values: < 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L) - Role: Building cell membranes
### LDL-Cholesterol ("bad cholesterol") - Normal values: < 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) - Risk: Accumulates in arteries
### HDL-Cholesterol ("good cholesterol") - Desirable values: > 40 mg/dL in men, > 50 mg/dL in women - Protective role: Cleanses arteries
### Triglycerides - Normal values: < 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L) - Elevation factors: High-sugar diet
Tips to Optimize Your Lipid Profile
- Mediterranean diet: Prioritize omega-3s, fruits, and vegetables
- Physical activity: 30 minutes per day minimum
- Weight control: Maintain BMI between 18.5 and 25
- Quit smoking: Major impact on HDL
Related Articles
See also: LDL Cholesterol: 2025 Targets, Triglycerides, Cardiovascular Prevention.
*Information based on general public health recommendations*