Lab Interpretation Guide
Lipid Panel Interpretation
LDL · HDL · Triglycerides · Total Cholesterol · Atherogenic Index
Quick Answer
A lipid panel measures cholesterol fractions and triglycerides. High LDL, low HDL, and elevated triglycerides increase cardiovascular risk. Interpretation always requires clinical context — age, sex, comorbidities, and overall risk profile.
Reference Ranges
Marker
Optimal
Borderline
High risk
Total Cholesterol
< 5.2 mmol/L
5.2–6.5
> 6.5 mmol/L
LDL Cholesterol
< 3.0 mmol/L
3.0–4.0
> 4.0 mmol/L
HDL (men)
> 1.0 mmol/L
0.9–1.0
< 0.9 (low)
HDL (women)
> 1.2 mmol/L
1.0–1.2
< 1.0 (low)
Triglycerides
< 1.7 mmol/L
1.7–5.0
> 5.0 mmol/L
Atherogenic Index
< 2.4
2.4–3.5
> 3.5 (risk)
Total Cholesterol
Optimal< 5.2 mmol/L
Borderline5.2–6.5
High risk> 6.5 mmol/L
LDL Cholesterol
Optimal< 3.0 mmol/L
Borderline3.0–4.0
High risk> 4.0 mmol/L
HDL (men)
Optimal> 1.0 mmol/L
Borderline0.9–1.0
High risk< 0.9 (low)
HDL (women)
Optimal> 1.2 mmol/L
Borderline1.0–1.2
High risk< 1.0 (low)
Triglycerides
Optimal< 1.7 mmol/L
Borderline1.7–5.0
High risk> 5.0 mmol/L
Atherogenic Index
Optimal< 2.4
Borderline2.4–3.5
High risk> 3.5 (risk)
Clinical Significance
High LDL
Primary driver of atherosclerosis. LDL > 4.0 mmol/L significantly increases MI and stroke risk. Target varies by cardiovascular risk: low risk < 3.0, high risk < 1.8, very high risk < 1.4 mmol/L.
Low HDL
HDL removes cholesterol from arteries. Low HDL (< 1.0 men, < 1.2 women) is an independent cardiovascular risk factor regardless of total cholesterol level.
High Triglycerides
TG > 2.0 mmol/L indicates metabolic risk. > 5.0 mmol/L carries acute pancreatitis risk. Often linked to insulin resistance, alcohol excess, and poor diet.
Atherogenic Index
Total Cholesterol / HDL ratio > 3.5 indicates elevated cardiovascular risk. More informative than LDL alone — captures the full lipid risk picture.
Key Clinical Points
- •Lipid panel should be drawn fasting (9–12 hours) for accurate triglyceride measurement
- •LDL targets differ by cardiovascular risk level — statin decisions require 10-year SCORE2 calculation
- •Isolated low HDL without other abnormalities still warrants lifestyle counseling
- •Secondary causes of dyslipidemia: hypothyroidism, diabetes, renal disease, liver disease
- •Triglycerides > 5 mmol/L: acute pancreatitis risk — fibrate therapy may be indicated
- •Non-HDL cholesterol (Total − HDL) is a useful secondary target in high-risk patients
Analyzing a full lipid panel with other lab values?
STRUCTA MED interprets LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and atherogenic index together — detecting metabolic patterns and cardiovascular risk automatically, adjusted for age and sex.
Analyze Lab Results Free →