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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff A complete cholesterol test — also called a lipid panel or lipid profile — is a group of blood tests that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body. If your cholesterol levels are high, you probably won't have any signs or symptoms, so a cholesterol test is an important tool. High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease. Why it's done
References
- Executive summary. Based on Third report of the expert panel on the detection, evaluation and treatment of high blood cholesterol in adults (adult treatment panel III). National Heart, Lung, and blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/cholesterol/atp3xsum.pdf and other sources. Accessed Jan. 5, 2009. Adapted by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
- High blood cholesterol. National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbc/HBC_all.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2009.
- Cholesterol. American Association for Clinical Chemistry. http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cholesterol/test.html. Accessed Jan. 5, 2009.
- Women and cholesterol. American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=185. Accessed Jan. 5, 2009.
- Daniels SR, et al. Lipid screening and cardiovascular health in childhood. Pediatrics. 2008;122:198.
