Preparing for lipid

Overview

A lipid panel (also called a cholesterol test) is a blood test that measures the levels of different types of fats (lipids) in your blood. It helps your healthcare provider check your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Yes, lipid panels are one of the most common blood tests. Many adults have them done as part of routine health checks.

It is done for anyone who may be at risk of heart disease – including people with high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of early heart disease, or those who smoke or are overweight.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• High cholesterol itself does not cause symptoms – most people feel fine.
• Some people learn they have high cholesterol after a routine blood test.

Symptoms in children

• Children rarely have symptoms; sometimes high cholesterol is found during a well-child check or if there is a strong family history.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults also usually have no symptoms, but the risk of complications like heart attack or stroke increases.

Causes

Main causes

• Eating too much saturated and trans fat can raise LDL cholesterol.
• Not getting enough physical activity.
• Being overweight or having obesity.

Risk factors

• Family history of high cholesterol or early heart disease.
• Age – risk increases after age 45 for men and 55 for women.
• Smoking or vaping.
• Diabetes or prediabetes.
• High blood pressure.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have any emergency symptoms (see above), call your local emergency number immediately.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4–6 years starting at age 20 – or earlier if you have risk factors.
• If you have diabetes, heart disease, or a strong family history, you may need testing more often.

Diagnosis

A lipid panel is diagnosed with a simple blood test. Your provider will take a sample from a vein in your arm and send it to a lab. The results show your cholesterol levels.

Tests that may be done

• Lipid panel (blood test) – measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

What to expect at your appointment

You may be asked to fast (no food or drink except water) for 9–12 hours before the test. The blood draw takes just a few minutes. You might feel a brief pinch. Results usually come back within a few days.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on lowering your LDL cholesterol and raising your HDL. This often starts with lifestyle changes. If those aren't enough, your doctor may recommend a medication such as a statin (a type of cholesterol-lowering drug).

Self-care at home

• Eat a heart-healthy diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
• Limit foods high in saturated fat (like red meat, butter, full-fat dairy) and avoid trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils).
• Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week (e.g., brisk walking).
• If you smoke, make a plan to quit. Your doctor can help.

Medical treatments

If lifestyle changes aren't enough, your doctor may prescribe a type of medicine called a statin, which helps lower LDL cholesterol. Other medications include ezetimibe (which blocks cholesterol absorption) or PCSK9 inhibitors (injections for very high cholesterol). Your doctor will choose the best option based on your overall health and risk.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for high cholesterol itself. In severe cases where arteries are blocked, procedures like angioplasty or bypass surgery may be recommended to treat complications.

Living with this condition

Most people with high cholesterol live normal, active lives. You'll need to pay attention to your diet and exercise, and you may need to take medication daily. Regular check-ups are important.

Lifestyle tips

• Check food labels for saturated fat and avoid trans fats.
• Cook with healthier oils (olive, canola, sunflower) instead of butter or lard.
• Limit alcohol – no more than 1 drink per day for women, 2 for men.
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques or hobbies.

Diet and exercise

A heart-healthy diet rich in fibre (oats, beans, apples, nuts) can help lower cholesterol. Also eat fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel) twice a week for omega-3s. Combine this with regular aerobic exercise like walking, cycling, or swimming.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Being told you have high cholesterol can feel worrying, but it's very common and treatable. If you feel anxious or depressed about your health, talk to your doctor or a counsellor. You're not alone.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of developing high cholesterol by eating well, staying active, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight. If you already have high cholesterol, these steps can prevent it from getting worse.

Screening programmes

Routine cholesterol screening (lipid panel) is recommended for all adults starting at age 20. If you have risk factors, screening may start earlier.

Complications

If left untreated

• Plaque buildup in arteries (atherosclerosis) – narrows blood vessels.
• Heart attack – when a coronary artery becomes blocked.
• Stroke – when a blood vessel in the brain is blocked or bursts.
• Peripheral artery disease – reduced blood flow to legs or arms.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for people with high cholesterol is very good when it's found and managed early. With lifestyle changes and, if needed, medication, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke. Many people live long, healthy lives with well-controlled cholesterol.

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