Cholesterol / Lipid Panel

A standard lipid profile measuring total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and the total-to-HDL ratio. Provides the core cardiovascular risk markers used in clinical guidelines to assess and monitor heart disease risk.

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the Netherlands, and lipid levels are among the most modifiable risk factors. This panel measures the four core lipid markers plus their clinically important ratio, providing the foundation for cardiovascular risk assessment that underpins European and Dutch clinical guidelines. Total cholesterol provides a broad overview, but the individual components carry the clinical weight. LDL cholesterol — often described as the atherogenic fraction — is the primary target of intervention in most cardiovascular risk models. HDL cholesterol is associated with reverse cholesterol transport and is generally considered protective. Triglycerides, when elevated, contribute independently to cardiovascular risk and are often associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and dietary factors. The total-to-HDL ratio distils these numbers into a single metric that many clinicians consider more predictive than any individual value. Fasting is not strictly required for modern lipid panels, but non-fasting triglyceride values may be elevated after a meal. For the most clinically useful results, a fasting draw — no food for 10 to 12 hours, water permitted — is recommended. This panel is suitable as a standalone cardiovascular risk screen or as a follow-up to monitor the effect of dietary changes, exercise, or lipid-lowering medication.