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Laboratory Results

Lipid Panel (HDL, LDL, VLDL, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol)

This test measures your total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL (good), and LDL (bad).  Your lipids are an important risk factor for heart disease. 

Cholesterol is made up of 3 main components:  LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.  LDL is the main cholesterol carrier.  It forms plaques in arteries which block blood flow to the heart, brain, and the rest of the body.  HDL moves cholesterol from arteries to the liver for metabolism.  A high level of LDL corresponds to a higher risk of coronary artery disease.  Similarly, a high level of HDL corresponds to a lower risk of coronary artery disease.

**** Your provider may like you to maintain an LDL that is significantly lower than 99, particularly if you have other health concerns.  Regardless of the stated "Normal" ranges, your provider will establish numbers that are right for you.