what is lipid profile in blood test

A lipid profile, also known as a lipid panel or lipid profile test, is a blood test that measures the amount of certain fat molecules called lipids in your blood. The test includes three measurements of your cholesterol levels and a measurement of your triglycerides. The four different cholesterol measurements usually included in the panel are total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol, and non-HDL cholesterol. The test is used to monitor and screen for your risk of cardiovascular disease. High cholesterol levels are often a significant risk factor for coronary artery disease and other forms of heart disease and diseases of the blood vessels. To prepare for the test, you will usually need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before having the blood drawn.