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Topic 1 · Standard cholesterol testing

LDL cholesterol & the standard lipid panel

LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) is the number most people know. Here's what it measures, what a standard cholesterol panel includes, and why it's one important piece of a bigger picture.

Related test: $99 In-Home Cholesterol Check · $99Free Heart Numbers GuideAll lessons

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Educational illustrationCut-away artery · not actual anatomy · not to scale

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Text description of this 3D model

A short section of artery shown cut open lengthwise so you can see inside. The wall is red-pink. Small gold spheres (cholesterol-carrying LDL particles) float through the open channel from left to right. Along the lower inner wall are amber lumps that represent plaque building up in the artery wall. In the ApoB view, each gold particle shows a teal ring for its one ApoB protein. In the Lp(a) view, some particles turn pink and gain an extra ring for apo(a).

LDL-C estimates how much cholesterol is carried inside LDL particles (the gold spheres). Over many years, LDL particles can enter the artery wall and contribute to plaque (shown in amber).

Key points

What to know

  • A standard lipid panel usually reports total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C and triglycerides. Many labs also report non-HDL cholesterol.
  • LDL-C is often calculated from the other numbers rather than measured directly. Very high triglycerides can make that calculation less accurate.
  • LDL is often called “bad cholesterol” because higher LDL-C over time is linked with plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis).
  • HDL-C and triglycerides add context, but no single number tells the whole story. Clinicians weigh cholesterol alongside blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, family history and age.
  • Whether you need to fast depends on your clinician's order and the lab. Follow the instructions you're given.

What this test can do

  • Give a baseline picture of the fats in your blood
  • Be repeated over time to see trends
  • Help your clinician estimate overall cardiovascular risk

What it can't do on its own

  • Diagnose heart disease
  • Tell you how many particles carry the cholesterol (that's ApoB)
  • Measure inherited Lp(a)
  • Show inflammation (that's hs-CRP)

Questions to bring to your clinician

  • “How do my cholesterol results fit with my overall heart risk?”
  • “Would ApoB or Lp(a) add useful information for me?”
  • “Do I need to fast before my test?”
When you're ready

Want to See Your Own Cholesterol Numbers?

The $99 In-Home Cholesterol Check is a standard lipid panel collected at your home or office. Every other A-List heart check except the ApoB + Lp(a) Duo also includes a lipid panel, plus additional markers.

Compare Relevant Heart PanelsBook This Panel

“Book This Panel” opens the secure Stan Store checkout for the $99 In-Home Cholesterol Check ($99), where you choose your appointment time and review the total before paying.

Panels that include this test

Every listed panel price includes the required lab order, standard mobile blood collection, collection supplies, and laboratory testing/processing. Only optional upgrades you select (such as the $60 Vein Finder) cost extra. You'll review your selections and final total in Stan Store before paying.

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Educational only. This page explains what a test measures. It does not interpret individual results, diagnose a condition, or recommend treatment. A qualified healthcare professional can help decide which tests make sense for you and what your results mean. Do not change medicines or preparation instructions based on this page.

Sources: American Heart Association: How to get your cholesterol tested · MedlinePlus: Cholesterol levels