A lipid profile, also known as a lipid panel or lipid test, is a blood test that measures the levels of specific lipids in your bloodstream to assess your risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Here’s a breakdown of the components typically measured in a lipid profile.

Total Cholesterol: This is the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood. High levels can increase the risk of heart disease.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Often referred to as "bad cholesterol," high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.