• Cholesterol - Total: The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. While essential for building cell membranes, too much can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries.
• Cholesterol - HDL high-density lipoprotein: Known as "Good Cholesterol." It acts as a scavenger, carrying extra cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for removal.
• Cholesterol - LDL low-density lipoprotein: Known as "Bad Cholesterol." High levels contribute to the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis.
• Cholesterol VLDL very low-density lipoprotein: Carries mostly triglycerides. Like LDL, high levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
• Triglycerides - Stored Fat: The most common type of fat in the body, used for energy. High levels are often linked to a diet high in sugar, alcohol, or refined carbs.
• Cholesterol - Non-HDL: Calculated by subtracting HDL from Total Cholesterol. It represents all the "bad" particles in your blood and is often a better predictor of heart risk than LDL alone.
• Total cholesterol/HDL: Mathematical relationship helping doctors understand your net risk. For example, a high Total Cholesterol might be less worrying if your HDL is also very high.
• LDL / HDL: Mathematical relationship helping doctors understand your net risk.
• HDL / LDL: Mathematical relationship helping doctors understand your net risk.

Why must I fast for 12 hours?

Triglycerides are highly sensitive to what you just ate. If you don't fast, your "Bad" cholesterol and triglycerides will look much higher than they actually are.

Can I drink black coffee before the test?

No. Caffeine and other compounds in coffee can alter the metabolic state and potentially skew the results.

What is the most important number in this report?

While all matter, many doctors now look closely at Non-HDL and the LDL/HDL ratio as more accurate indicators of heart risk.

Why does the report take 6 hours?

The automated spectrophotometry process is efficient, but the lab requires time for sample clotting, centrifugation, and quality verification.

Can stress affect my cholesterol?

Yes, chronic stress can raise cortisol, which in turn can increase blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides.

My Total Cholesterol is high, but my HDL is also very high. Is that bad?

Not necessarily. If your HDL (good) is high, it can bring your "Total/HDL ratio" into a healthy range.

What causes high Triglycerides?

Common causes include excessive sugar intake, refined carbohydrates (white bread/rice), alcohol consumption, and uncontrolled diabetes.

Can I take my heart medications before the test?

Usually yes, but check with your doctor. Do not skip your blood pressure or cholesterol meds unless instructed.

Does exercise change these numbers?

Yes! Regular cardio is one of the best ways to increase your "Good" (HDL) cholesterol.

Can children have high cholesterol?

Yes, especially if there is a genetic condition called "Familial Hypercholesterolemia."

Why is LDL called "Bad"?

Because it carries cholesterol to your arteries. Think of it as a delivery truck that drops off junk in the middle of the road.

Is 210 mg/dL Total Cholesterol dangerous?

It is considered "Borderline High." It’s a signal to look at your diet and lifestyle before it reaches the "High" (240+) range.

Why is the blood collected in a Plain/Gel tube?

These tubes allow the blood to clot so the lab can extract the clear serum, which contains the lipids for testing.

Does smoking affect this test?

Yes. Smoking lowers your "Good" (HDL) cholesterol and damages the artery walls, making LDL more dangerous.

How often should I repeat this test?

If your results are normal, once a year. If you are on treatment or making lifestyle changes, every 3 to 6 months.