Lipid Panel / Cholesterol Testing

The test itself is a routine blood draw from a vein in your arm, usually completed in just a minute or two. The sample is sent to a laboratory, where it is analyzed for your cholesterol fractions and triglycerides.

When your results return, we review each number together and place them in the context of your blood pressure, weight, family history, and overall cardiovascular risk. Rather than fixating on a single value, we look at the full picture to decide what, if anything, needs to change.

Depending on what we are evaluating, you may be asked to fast for 9 to 12 hours beforehand, taking only water, since recent meals can raise triglyceride readings. Many newer panels no longer require fasting, so we will tell you in advance which approach applies to you.

Continue your usual medications unless directed otherwise, and let us know about any supplements you take. If a fasting draw is best, scheduling it for the morning is usually the most comfortable option.

Most results are available within a day or two, and we will walk you through what they mean and any next steps. If your numbers are favorable, we typically recheck on a routine schedule as part of ongoing prevention.

If your LDL or triglycerides are elevated, we may recommend a tailored lifestyle modification plan, and in some cases statin or lipid-lowering therapy. When more advanced cardiac evaluation is warranted, we coordinate seamlessly with specialists including Cedars-Sinai.