Understanding the Lipid Profile Test
A lipid profile is a lab test that measures the amount of certain fats and cholesterol in your blood. High lipid levels can lead to a heart attack or cause your heart disease to worsen. You should have a lipid profile at least once a year.
The LDL (“bad”) cholesterol should be less than 100 mg/dl, and triglycerides (also “bad”) should be less than 150 mg/dl. The HDL (“good”) cholesterol should be greater than 40 mg/dl.
If you have diabetes and diagnosed cardiac disease or progressive coronary artery disease, your provider may choose a lower LDL goal—less than 70 mg/dl.
To help you remember when to schedule your next lipid profile, make a note of the date of your last test.
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View SourceNormal triglyceride levels are below 150; levels above 200 are considered high.