| Marker | Gabriel optimal | Typical lab range | Functional range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | 180 or lower mg/dL | 199 or lower | 160 to 199 |
| LDL Cholesterol | 70 or lower mg/dL | 99 or lower | 80 to 99.99 |
| HDL Cholesterol Men | 60 to 77 mg/dL | 40 or higher | 55 to 93 |
| HDL Cholesterol Women | 60 to 93 mg/dL | 40 or higher | 55 to 93 |
| Triglycerides | 70 or lower mg/dL | 149 or lower | 70 to 80 |
| Non-HDL Cholesterol | 85 or lower mg/dL | 129 or lower | 70 to 99 |
What a lipid panel measures
- Total cholesterol: all the cholesterol in your blood. See the total cholesterol lab guide.
- LDL cholesterol: the cholesterol carried by particles that can build plaque in artery walls. See the LDL lab guide.
- HDL cholesterol: often called "good" cholesterol. Higher is generally better. See the HDL lab guide.
- Triglycerides: a type of fat in the blood. See the triglycerides lab guide.
- Non-HDL cholesterol: total cholesterol minus HDL.
- VLDL cholesterol: some reports list it, often as an estimate calculated from triglycerides.
A lipid panel measures how much cholesterol and triglyceride is in your blood. An ApoB test measures something different, which some clinicians add for a fuller read on risk.
Typical lab ranges for adults
| Measure | Typical lab goal for adults (mg/dL) |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | Less than 200 |
| LDL cholesterol | Less than 100 |
| HDL cholesterol | 60 or higher is best; below 40 for men or below 50 for women is low |
| Triglycerides | Less than 150 |
| Non-HDL cholesterol | Less than 130 |
A "normal" lab range describes the general population, not an ideal heart target. Gabriel's optimal ranges, shown in the table on this page, are tighter. Cleveland Clinic lists a lower LDL goal, below 70 mg/dL, for people with diabetes.
Do you need to fast?
Not always. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists both fasting and non-fasting samples as acceptable. Your clinician may still ask you to fast for 8 to 12 hours. Cleveland Clinic says to have only water while you fast.
- Ask your clinician how to prepare, and follow those instructions.
- If you were told to fast and you ate, tell the lab or your clinician before the draw.
How often to get a lipid panel
- Children: a first test between ages 9 and 11, then every 5 years. Children with a family history of high cholesterol, heart attack or stroke may start as early as age 2.
- Adults 20 to 65: about every 5 years.
- Men 45 to 65 and women 55 to 65: every 1 to 2 years.
- Over 65: every year.
- Higher risk: the CDC says people with heart disease, diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol should be tested more often.
What abnormal results can mean
High LDL, total or non-HDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, or low HDL can point to higher heart and blood vessel risk. Excess triglycerides are also linked to inflammation of the pancreas. Abnormally low cholesterol is rare and usually caused by a health condition, such as malnutrition. An abnormal result does not always mean you have a condition or need treatment.
- Read the numbers together. Your clinician weighs them with your age, health, history, medicines and other risk factors.
- Ask about Lp(a) if you have a family history of stroke or early heart disease. It is not usually part of a routine lipid panel.
- Start with food and movement. See foods that lower cholesterol and how to lower ApoB.
- Ask when to recheck, and keep a record of your results at each visit.
A lipid panel does not diagnose a heart problem. Call 911 for chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, sudden shortness of breath, or sudden weakness, numbness or trouble speaking.
Common questions
What is included in a lipid panel?
Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Some reports also list non-HDL cholesterol and VLDL.
Do I need to fast for a lipid panel?
Often not. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute lists non-fasting samples as acceptable, but your clinician may ask for an 8 to 12 hour fast. Ask how to prepare.
What is non-HDL cholesterol?
It is your total cholesterol minus your HDL. A common lab goal is less than 130 mg/dL.
How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
About every 5 years for most adults 20 to 65, every 1 to 2 years for men 45 to 65 and women 55 to 65, and every year after 65. People with heart disease, diabetes or a family history of high cholesterol are tested more often.
Is a lipid panel the same as an ApoB test?
No. A lipid panel measures cholesterol and triglycerides. An ApoB test is a separate test your clinician can add.
Sources
- Cholesterol Levels MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Blood Cholesterol: Diagnosis National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
- Lipid Panel Cleveland Clinic
- Testing for Cholesterol Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It does not replace a visit with a licensed clinician. Gabriel membership is not health insurance.