Beyond "bad" cholesterol: A closer look at your blood lipids
A standard cholesterol test (also known as a lipid profile or lipid panel) tells you the amount of cholesterol and triglyceride carried in your blood. These lipids (fats) travel inside tiny particles called lipoproteins. Created in your intestines and liver, lipoproteins come in a range of shapes, sizes, and densities. The value of greatest concern is low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol. Too much LDL in the bloodstream helps to create the plaque that accumulates inside arteries, raising the risk of a heart attack. The higher your LDL, the higher your risk of having a heart attack.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
