Lipid panel: what it measures and the normal ranges
Equivalent to below 200 mg/dl (US unit)
- Updated
- 2026-09-30
- Every number with its source
What a lipid panel is
A lipid panel is a combination of four or more measurements that assesses the whole of fat metabolism from a single blood sample. It consists of total cholesterol (all the cholesterol present in the blood) and LDL cholesterol — often called the “bad” one, because an excess of it settles in the walls of blood vessels. It also includes HDL cholesterol — called the “good” one, because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood vessels — and triglycerides, the form of fat in which the body stores energy. Some laboratories additionally calculate non-HDL cholesterol (total cholesterol minus HDL) and the VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) fraction. The lipid panel is the main test a doctor uses to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, because a long-standing excess of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, especially together with a low HDL, is linked to the development of atherosclerosis (the hardening and narrowing of blood vessel walls). Results always have to be assessed together with other risk factors — age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history. The individual fractions are described separately in the total cholesterol test article.
Reference ranges
| Group | Range | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total cholesterol, adults Equivalent to below 200 mg/dl (US unit) | below 5.18mmol/l | mmol/l | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2024-07-25 |
| LDL cholesterol, adults without vascular disease Equivalent to below 100 mg/dl (US unit) | below 2.59mmol/l | mmol/l | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2024-07-25 |
| LDL cholesterol, people with vascular disease Equivalent to below 70 mg/dl (US unit); the stricter limit applies to people who already have vascular disease | below 1.81mmol/l | mmol/l | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2024-07-25 |
| HDL cholesterol, adults Considered low: in men below 1.04 mmol/l (40 mg/dl), in women below 1.3 mmol/l (50 mg/dl); according to MedlinePlus, 1.55 mmol/l (60 mg/dl) or more is best | from 1.04mmol/l | mmol/l | MedlinePlus accessed 2026-10-05 |
| Triglycerides, adults The original US laboratory unit — the source does not give an exact converted mmol/l equivalent; Lithuanian laboratories mostly use mmol/l, so see your own laboratory's limit on the report | below 150mg/dl | mg/dl | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2024-12-09 |
| Non-HDL cholesterol, adults Equivalent to below 130 mg/dl (US unit); calculated as total cholesterol minus HDL | below 3.36mmol/l | mmol/l | MedlinePlus Reviewed 2024-10-15 |
These figures come from MedlinePlus. Individual laboratories use their own reference limits, so the most accurate comparison is with the range printed on your own report.
When a lipid panel is tested
- As a preventive check in adults, when assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease
- To monitor how diet, physical activity or treatment prescribed by a doctor affects fat metabolism
- When other cardiovascular risk factors are present — raised blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, excess weight, early heart attacks or strokes in the family
- In children and adolescents, if there are cases of early heart disease or very high cholesterol in the family
- When repeating the test after lifestyle changes recommended by a doctor or after prescribed treatment, to assess the change
How to prepare
- Before the test you usually need to go 8–12 hours without eating and without drinking anything except water — blood is normally taken in the morning; there is more detail in how long to fast before a lipid panel
- Tell your doctor about every medicine and food supplement you take, as some of them can affect the result
- Keep to your usual diet and lifestyle before the test — the result should reflect your usual state, not a temporarily changed one
A raised result
A raised total or LDL cholesterol, and raised triglycerides, are treated as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease according to MedlinePlus. The most common reasons are fatty and sugary food, low physical activity, excess weight, smoking, raised blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, liver or kidney disease, and thyroid disorders.
- Food high in saturated fat and sugar
- Low physical activity
- Excess weight or obesity
- Smoking
- Raised blood pressure
- Poorly controlled type 2 diabetes
- Liver or kidney disease
- Thyroid function disorders
- Alcohol use disorder (for triglycerides)
- Some medicines, among them diuretics — where the source names one as a possible cause, it is worth asking your doctor
What is usually assessed alongside a raised result
- Whether the fasting requirement was kept to at the time of the test (especially for triglycerides)
- Other cardiovascular risk factors — blood pressure, glucose, smoking, family history
- Lifestyle factors — diet, physical activity, body weight
- When your doctor recommends repeating the test, so that the change can be seen
A low result
A low HDL cholesterol (below 1.04 mmol/l) is considered an unfavourable cardiovascular risk factor according to MedlinePlus. A very low triglyceride level is rare and mostly does not cause concern, although a doctor may assess it together with diet and overall health.
- A low HDL is often linked to a low level of physical activity, smoking and excess weight
- Genetic factors that lead to a lower HDL level
- Very low triglycerides are rare — according to MedlinePlus, the exact cause often stays unclear
- Insufficient nutrition or impaired absorption of fats
What is usually assessed alongside a low result
- An overall assessment of risk factors together with a doctor — blood pressure, glucose, smoking, physical activity
- Whether the result is reproduced on a repeat test
- Diet and lifestyle changes that a doctor may recommend
- When to repeat the test to assess the change over time
About Lithuania
At the Medicina practica laboratory a lipid panel costs from €20 (September 2026 pricing). Prices can differ between laboratories, and a family doctor can order the test free of charge when it is clinically indicated.
Full site in Lithuanian: proactiva.app
Frequently asked questions
›What is included in a lipid panel?
A lipid panel usually covers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Some laboratories additionally calculate non-HDL cholesterol. You will find the exact list of what is included on your own laboratory's order form.
›What is a normal lipid panel result?
According to MedlinePlus, in adults total cholesterol is considered normal below 5.18 mmol/l, LDL below 2.59 mmol/l (for people with vascular disease, below 1.81 mmol/l), HDL at least 1.04 mmol/l in men and at least 1.3 mmol/l in women (1.55 mmol/l or more is best), and triglycerides below 1.7 mmol/l (150 mg/dl). You will find your laboratory's exact interval on the report.
›Do I need to fast before a lipid panel?
Usually yes — you need 8–12 hours without eating and without drinking anything except water, with blood taken in the morning. Fasting matters especially for the triglyceride result, as food eaten recently can temporarily raise the level.
›What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?
LDL cholesterol is sometimes called the “bad” one — an excess of it can build up in the walls of blood vessels. HDL cholesterol is called the “good” one, because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the body. According to MedlinePlus, a higher HDL is considered more favourable.
›Why does the triglyceride level matter?
Triglycerides are the form of fat in the blood used to store energy. According to MedlinePlus, a raised triglyceride level is linked to a greater risk of heart disease, stroke and vascular conditions, especially together with a low HDL or a high LDL cholesterol.
›Are the lipid panel ranges different for men, women and children?
Lithuanian laboratories report lipids in mmol/l, so these are given first (with the MedlinePlus mg/dl values in brackets). According to MedlinePlus, in adults the limits for total cholesterol (desirable below 5.2 mmol/l, 200 mg/dl), LDL (below 2.6 mmol/l, 100 mg/dl) and non-HDL cholesterol (below 3.4 mmol/l, 130 mg/dl) are the same for men and women, but HDL differs: in men an HDL below 1.0 mmol/l (40 mg/dl) is considered low, in women one below 1.3 mmol/l (50 mg/dl). For people aged 19 or younger other limits are given: total cholesterol below 4.4 mmol/l (170 mg/dl), non-HDL below 3.1 mmol/l (120 mg/dl), LDL below 2.8 mmol/l (110 mg/dl) and HDL above 1.2 mmol/l (45 mg/dl); a child's result is assessed by a doctor. Compare with the range on your own laboratory report.
›Which triglyceride levels count as borderline and high?
According to MedlinePlus, in adults triglycerides are considered normal below 1.7 mmol/l (150 mg/dl); 1.7–2.2 mmol/l (150–199 mg/dl) is borderline high, 2.3–5.6 mmol/l (200–499 mg/dl) is high, and 5.65 mmol/l (500 mg/dl) or more is very high. Lithuanian laboratories report triglycerides in mmol/l, so do not compare the number on your report with the mg/dl limits. Different limits apply to children and teenagers, and their result is assessed by a doctor. Compare with your laboratory's range.
›How much does a lipid panel cost in Lithuania?
At the Medicina practica laboratory a lipid panel costs from €20 (September 2026 pricing). The price can differ at other laboratories; a family doctor can order the test free of charge when it is clinically indicated.
Sources
- MedlinePlus enciklopedija: Lipid profile test — 2026-09-06
- MedlinePlus: Triglycerides Test — 2026-10-05
- MedlinePlus: Cholesterol Levels — 2026-10-05
- Medicina practica — 2026-09-06
Related markers
This site is not an emergency service. If severe chest or head pain, breathlessness, confusion, difficulty speaking, heavy bleeding or another acute problem has come on suddenly — do not wait for tests, call 112.
This information is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a doctor. Reference ranges depend on the laboratory, your age and sex — always compare your result with the range printed on your own report.