Understanding your lipid profile
23 October 2026
A lipid profile measures the fats in your blood. Total cholesterol is the sum of several parts. LDL is often called bad cholesterol because high levels can build up in artery walls. HDL is often called good cholesterol because it helps clear cholesterol from the blood. Triglycerides are another type of blood fat that can rise with sugar, alcohol and excess calories.
The test usually needs 10 to 12 hours of fasting. Your doctor reads your numbers together with your age, blood pressure, sugar and family history.