Heart Health & Cholesterol Panels make it easy to check LDL, HDL, total cholesterol and triglycerides, plus optional markers like hs-CRP and A1c. Order online, test locally, and get fast, private results—so you can take action early and protect your cardiovascular wellness.

Not all panels are the same. Depending on your goals, you may only need a basic check—or you may benefit from a deeper look into blood sugar and inflammation. Here’s how to decide which Heart Health & Cholesterol Panel is right for you:

• Lipid / Cholesterol Panel: Best for routine screening. Measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Ideal if you’re checking in once a year or starting your health journey.
• Standard Heart Health Panel: Includes the full lipid panel plus additional markers for metabolic health. Recommended if you want a clearer picture of how your heart and blood sugar interact.
• Comprehensive Heart Health Panel: Offers the most in-depth testing, adding markers like fasting glucose, A1c, and hs-CRP for inflammation. Best choice if you have risk factors, family history, or want the most complete view.

How to Understand Heart Health Tests

Ordering a Heart Health & Cholesterol Panel is the first step toward understanding your cardiovascular wellness. But knowing what the results mean is just as important. When you order local lab test panels, you’ll usually see several key markers that can help identify risks long before symptoms appear.

Lipid and Cholesterol Levels

A lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol), HDL (good cholesterol), and triglycerides. High LDL and triglycerides can increase the risk of plaque buildup in your arteries, while HDL helps clear cholesterol from the bloodstream. Ideal results include LDL under 100 mg/dL, HDL above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women, and triglycerides below 150 mg/dL.

Blood Sugar and Heart Risk

Many comprehensive heart health panels include fasting glucose and sometimes hemoglobin A1c. These tests track blood sugar levels over time. Elevated glucose or A1c not only signals diabetes risk but also increases the strain on your heart and arteries.

Inflammation Markers

Some advanced heart screenings include hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein), a marker of inflammation. Chronic inflammation can damage blood vessels and accelerate plaque buildup, even if cholesterol levels look normal.

Other Advanced Indicators

Certain panels may also include Lp(a), a genetic marker strongly associated with heart disease risk, and homocysteine, an amino acid linked to artery damage when elevated.

Why Re-Testing Matters

Heart health is not static—cholesterol, blood sugar, and inflammation markers can shift quickly with diet, stress, or lifestyle changes. That’s why experts recommend repeating these heart health lab tests at least once a year, or more often if you’re managing risk factors.

Take Action With Your Results

Once you receive your results, small changes can make a big difference. Improving diet, adding regular exercise, reducing stress, and seeking medical advice when numbers are out of range can all help. By choosing to order local lab test panels regularly, you’re investing in prevention rather than waiting for problems to appear. For additional information, see our Metabolic Health or Thyroid Tests sections, and review American Heart Association guidelines.

Heart Health Testing FAQ

What is a healthy LDL cholesterol level?

LDL cholesterol should ideally be below 100 mg/dL. Levels between 100–129 mg/dL are near optimal, while 130–159 mg/dL is borderline high. When you Order Heart and Cholesterol Tests, LDL will always be one of the main numbers to check.

Do I need to fast before a cholesterol or lipid panel?

Most doctors recommend fasting 9–12 hours for accurate triglyceride results. Water is fine; avoid food and drinks with calories. If you Order Heart and Cholesterol Tests online, your confirmation will tell you whether fasting is required.

How often should I order a heart health lab test?

For healthy adults with no risk factors, once a year is usually enough. If you have high cholesterol or diabetes, test every 3–6 months. By choosing to Order Heart and Cholesterol Tests regularly, you can track changes over time and respond early.

What does HDL cholesterol mean?

HDL is the “good cholesterol” because it helps remove LDL from the bloodstream. Higher HDL is linked to lower risk of heart disease. A standard panel will include HDL when you Order Heart and Cholesterol Tests.

What is hs-CRP and why is it important?

hs-CRP is a marker of inflammation. Elevated levels can indicate increased cardiovascular risk even when cholesterol looks normal. Many comprehensive options include this marker when you Order Heart and Cholesterol Tests.

Order Your Heart Health & Cholesterol Panel Today

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—be proactive. Choose from our Heart Health & Cholesterol Panels and Order Heart and Cholesterol Tests online in minutes. You’ll test at a local lab near you with no doctor visit required. Results are private, secure, and delivered in just 24–48 hours. Click here to get started.