Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, claiming an estimated 17.9 million lives each year. Identifying one’s risk for cardiovascular disease is a crucial step toward implementing appropriate preventative measures.
One of the key ways health care providers measure a person’s risk for cardiovascular disease is through a blood test called a lipid panel or lipid profile. This test shows the levels of beneficial and harmful lipids (or fats) that are present in the bloodstream. Generally, the higher the amount of “bad” cholesterol, the higher a person’s risk of developing heart disease.
