A Patient's Guide to Understanding Your Lipid Panel Results

Understanding your lipid panel is essential to protecting your heart. Learn what your cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride numbers mean, and how small changes can make a big difference in your cardiovascular health.

Your lipid panel is an essential screening tool used by the team at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology. It helps us assess your heart health and overall risk of disease.

Read on to understand more about the significance of your lipid panel and what all the numbers mean.

What is a lipid panel?

A lipid panel is a blood test that measures fats in your blood. These results provide information about your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. A standard panel includes:

Total cholesterol
LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
HDL (“good”) cholesterol
Triglycerides
Non-HDL cholesterol (sometimes reported separately)

Each value contributes to your overall cardiovascular risk profile.

What do lipid panel numbers mean?

The number for total cholesterol reflects all cholesterol in your blood. Levels under 200 mg/dL are desirable, but your provider will consider LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and personal risk factors for a full understanding of the impact on your health.

LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque in the arteries. Optimal is below 100 mg/dL, with higher levels increasing your risk for heart disease. If you have diabetes, existing heart disease, or other risk factors, we may recommend you have even a lower optimal target number.

HDL cholesterol helps remove excess LDL from your bloodstream. Levels of 60 mg/dL or higher are ideal, while low HDL can increase heart disease risk. Regular exercise, not smoking, and heart-healthy fats can boost HDL naturally.

Triglycerides are fats stored for energy. A normal measure is below 150 mg/dL; higher levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Diet, alcohol intake, activity level, and weight can all influence triglycerides.

Non-HDL cholesterol includes all “bad” cholesterol particles. This number can provide a more accurate picture of cardiovascular risk, particularly for patients with metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

What factors affect my lipid numbers?

Genetics, diet, physical activity, weight, medical conditions, and certain medications all affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels. We help you understand how these factors impact your lipid panel results and how targeted lifestyle changes can help you better manage your cardiovascular risk.

How can I improve my lipid panel results?

If we diagnose you with high cholesterol or other elevated numbers, the team here at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology creates a personalized plan to reduce the impact your lipids have on cardiovascular disease risk.

This may include dietary adjustments, increased activity, weight management, quitting smoking, and medication such as statins when needed. Even modest changes can significantly reduce long-term risk.

Pay attention to your lipid panel

Your lipid panel provides guidance for protecting your heart and maintaining overall health. With regular monitoring, lifestyle adjustments, and support from our providers, you can improve your lipid levels and reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.

If you have questions about your lipid panel or want guidance on improving your results, call our office or use our online tool to schedule your appointment. We are conveniently located near Boston and proudly extend our services to communities throughout Norfolk, Plymouth, Bristol, and Providence counties.