Mobile Site ›
Print Page Email Page

Interpretive Handbook

‹ Back to index | Back to list | More information

Test 8053:
Lipid Panel

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Cardiovascular disease is the number 1 cause of death in the United States with an estimated 1.5 million heart attacks and 0.5 million strokes occurring annually, many in individuals who have no prior symptoms. Prevention of ischemic cardiovascular events is key. Risk factors, including age, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, are used by physicians to identify individuals likely to have an ischemic event.

 

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) classified lipid results and established guidelines for lipid testing and patient management.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Evaluation of cardiovascular risk

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

Mayo Clinic has adopted the NCEP ATP III classifications, which are included as reference values on Mayo Clinic and Mayo Medical Laboratories reports (see Reference Values).

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

See individual unit codes

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) has set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL cholesterol) in adults ages 18 and up:

 

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL

Desirable: <200 mg/dL

Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL

High: > or =240 mg/dL

 

TRIGLYCERIDES

Normal: <150 mg/dL

Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL

High: 200-499 mg/dL

Very high: > or =500 mg/dL

 

HDL CHOLESTEROL

Low (removed HDL): <40 mg/dL

Normal: 40-60 mg/dL

High: >60 mg/dL

 

LDL CHOLESTEROL

Optimal: <100 mg/dL

Near Optimal: 100-129 mg/dL

Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL

High: 160-189 mg/dL

Very high: > or =190 mg/dL    

 

NON HDL CHOLESTEROL

Desirable: <130 mg/dL

Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL

High: 160-189 mg/dL

Very high: > or =190 mg/dL

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) and National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) has set the following guidelines for lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL cholesterol) in children ages 2-17:

 

TOTAL CHOLESTEROL

Desirable: <170 mg/dL

Borderline high: 170 -199 mg/dL

High: > or =200 mg/dL

 

TRIGLYCERIDES

Normal: <90 mg/dL

Borderline high: 90-129 mg/dL

High: > or =130 mg/dL

 

HDL CHOLESTEROL

Low HDL: <40 mg/dL

Borderline low: 40-59 mg/dL

Normal: > or =60 mg/dL

 

LDL CHOLESTEROL

Desirable: <110 mg/dL

Borderline high: 110-129 mg/dL

High: > or =130 mg/dL

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

See individual unit codes