Lipid & Cardiovascular Risk Panel

The lipid and cardiovascular risk panel at Laboratoře Mikrochem measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, non-HDL cholesterol, and the TC/HDL ratio — the six markers that together define your cardiovascular risk profile according to current Czech and European cardiology guidelines. All measurements are made using validated enzymatic photometric methods under ISO 15189 accreditation, with results processed daily at the Olomouc main laboratory. A fasting venous blood draw is required (8–12 hours); walk-in draws are available from 07:00 Monday to Friday. Results are ready within 2 working days and include the calculated cardiovascular risk ratios alongside measured values. No physician referral is needed for self-paying patients.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the Czech Republic, and dyslipidaemia — abnormal blood lipid levels — is one of the most modifiable risk factors. The lipid and cardiovascular risk panel at Laboratoře Mikrochem is performed using validated enzymatic photometric methods on automated analysers operating under ISO 15189 accreditation, with daily internal controls and participation in the SEKK external quality assessment programme. Total cholesterol is measured directly. LDL cholesterol — the primary atherogenic fraction and the main target of statin and PCSK9-inhibitor therapy — is calculated using the Friedewald equation from measured total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. This calculation is reliable for triglyceride levels up to approximately 4.5 mmol/L; for higher triglycerides, direct LDL measurement is available on request. HDL cholesterol is measured directly using a detergent precipitation method; low HDL (below 1.0 mmol/L in men, 1.2 mmol/L in women) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor even when total cholesterol is within range. Triglycerides — which must be measured fasting to be interpretable — reflect hepatic VLDL production and are elevated in insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and secondary causes including hypothyroidism, alcohol excess, and certain medications. Non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol minus HDL) captures the full atherogenic burden including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a) — it is now the preferred target for patients with high triglycerides where LDL calculation is unreliable, and is included in the European Society of Cardiology 2021 guidelines as a co-primary target. The cholesterol/HDL ratio provides a single-number summary of the atherogenic-versus-protective balance. Results are interpreted against Czech national reference intervals and flagged according to the current national guidelines. The report notes whether values are within the general population reference range and whether they cross thresholds for primary or secondary prevention targets (different thresholds apply for patients who already have established cardiovascular disease or diabetes). The panel is the standard first-line investigation for cardiovascular risk assessment in any adult over 35, for all patients with hypertension or diabetes, for anyone starting statin therapy, and for family members of patients with premature cardiovascular disease or familial hypercholesterolaemia. A fasting draw of 8–12 hours is required for accurate triglyceride and LDL calculation. Walk-in collection is available from 07:00 at the Olomouc main laboratory or from 06:30 at the Janského Street collection point, and at all three regional branches in Přerov, Šumperk, and Valašské Meziříčí.