Lipid Panel (basic)

Routine annual

also standard lipid profile

What it isA bundled panel of total cholesterol, LDL-C (often calculated), HDL-C, and triglycerides. The most widely ordered cardiovascular screening test, though it omits the most prognostic marker — ApoB.

DoesScreens for atherogenic dyslipidemia and stratifies cardiovascular risk.

GoodA favorable basic profile — LDL-C well within range, HDL-C adequate, triglycerides low — reflects healthy lipid metabolism and lower atherosclerotic risk.

BadElevated LDL-C and triglycerides predict cardiovascular events; low HDL-C and high triglycerides flag insulin resistance. The basic panel misses some high-risk patterns visible only with ApoB or particle measurement.

Standard

See individual component entries.

Optimal

LDL-C <70 mg/dL, HDL-C >55 mg/dL men / >65 mg/dL women, triglycerides <80 mg/dL (narrow target)

Modifiers

Fasting state, recent illness, alcohol, weight change, and hormone status shift values.

How to optimize

Lifestyle: Zone 2 cardio, strength training, weight loss in overweight, smoking cessation, sleep, stress reduction.
Diet: Mediterranean pattern, omega-3 fish, soluble fiber, plant sterols, limit refined carbohydrates and ultra-processed food.
Supplements: Omega-3 EPA+DHA 2–4 g/day, berberine 500 mg twice daily, plant sterols, red yeast rice, soluble fiber (psyllium).
Peptides: Tirzepatide, semaglutide in metabolic contexts.
Drugs: Statin, ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, bempedoic acid; fibrates for triglyceride-dominant patterns.

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