Understanding Your Lipid Profile: Good Cholesterol vs Bad Cholesterol

A Lipid Profile measures different types of fat in your blood, and understanding the difference between them is key to interpreting your results correctly. LDL cholesterol, often called 'bad' cholesterol, can build up in artery walls when levels are too high, increasing cardiovascular risk. HDL cholesterol, the 'good' kind, actually helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream — so higher HDL is generally better. Triglycerides are another type of fat that, when elevated, are linked to heart disease risk, particularly when combined with high LDL or low HDL. A 9-12 hour fast before testing ensures accurate results, since recent meals can temporarily skew triglyceride levels.