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Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein details
What Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein shows
Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is a particle made by the liver that carries triglycerides, a type of fat, along with some cholesterol through your blood. In a standard lipid panel, VLDL cholesterol is usually not measured directly but calculated from your triglyceride level. It forms part of your non-HDL cholesterol, the cholesterol carried in particles that can contribute to plaque in the arteries, so it adds to the picture of cardiovascular risk. A higher value usually reflects higher triglycerides, which can relate to diet, alcohol, excess weight, diabetes or genetics. As an estimate, it is less reliable when triglycerides are very high, and it is read with the rest of the lipid panel.
Tests that include Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein
This comprehensive panel evaluates key aspects of women's health, including hormone balance, thyroid function, cardiovascular health, inflammation, blood cell health, iron stores, metabolism, and liver and kidney function. It provides a broad overview of overall wellness and may help identify underlying imbalances that can affect energy, mood, metabolic health, reproductive health, and long-term health outcomes.
Biomarkers
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) An enzyme found mainly in the liver and bones. High levels can signal liver disease, bile duct blockage, or bone conditions.
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) A liver enzyme released into the blood when liver cells are damaged. One of the main markers used to screen for liver inflammation or injury.
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) An enzyme found in the liver, heart, and muscles. Elevated levels can point to liver damage, though it's less liver-specific than ALT.
- Albumin The main protein made by your liver, which helps balance fluids and carries hormones, vitamins, and medications through your blood. Low levels can point to liver, kidney, or nutrition issues.
- Albumin/Globulin Ratio Compares your two main blood protein types, albumin and globulin. An abnormal ratio can point toward liver disease, kidney problems, or immune system conditions.
- BUN/Creatinine Ratio Compares two kidney-related waste markers to help distinguish the cause of abnormal kidney values, such as dehydration versus a kidney-specific problem.
- Calcium Measures the total calcium in your blood, important for bone health, muscle function, nerve signaling, and blood clotting.
- Carbon Dioxide Reflects the bicarbonate level in your blood, a key part of your body's acid-base balance. Abnormal levels can point to metabolic or respiratory issues.
- Chloride An electrolyte that works with sodium and potassium to maintain fluid balance and acid-base status in your body.
- Creatinine A waste product from muscle metabolism, filtered by your kidneys. One of the main markers used to assess kidney function.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) The sulfated, more stable form of DHEA. A reliable marker of adrenal androgen production, used to evaluate adrenal function and androgen excess.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) A pituitary hormone that drives egg development in women and sperm production in men. Key marker for fertility and menopause evaluation.
- Ferritin Reflects your body's stored iron levels. Low levels point to iron deficiency; high levels can indicate iron overload or, since it's also an inflammation marker, other conditions.
- Free Testosterone The small portion of your testosterone that's unbound and biologically active, considered a more accurate reflection of usable hormone than total testosterone.
- Globulin A group of blood proteins that includes antibodies and various transport proteins. Assessed together with albumin to evaluate liver, kidney, and immune function.
- Glucose Your blood sugar level at the time of the test — a core marker for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes and metabolic health.
- Hematocrit The percentage of your blood volume made up of red blood cells. Used to help diagnose anemia or polycythemia (excess red blood cells).
- Hemoglobin The oxygen-carrying protein in your red blood cells. A core marker for diagnosing anemia and other blood disorders.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) A pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. Used to evaluate fertility, menstrual irregularities, and reproductive hormone disorders.
- Potassium An essential electrolyte that plays a critical role in heart rhythm, muscle function, and nerve signaling.
- Progesterone A hormone essential for the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Used to confirm ovulation, evaluate fertility, and monitor early pregnancy.
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) A protein that binds and transports testosterone and estrogen in your blood, determining how much hormone is 'free' and active. Important for interpreting sex hormone results.
- Sodium An essential electrolyte that regulates fluid balance, blood pressure, and nerve and muscle function.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) A pituitary hormone that signals your thyroid to produce hormone. The primary screening test for both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions.
- Testosterone The primary male sex hormone, also present in women in smaller amounts. Evaluated for low testosterone symptoms, fertility, and reproductive hormone imbalances.
- Total Bilirubin The combined level of both processed and unprocessed bilirubin in your blood, a byproduct of red blood cell breakdown. Used to evaluate liver function and jaundice.
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Total Protein The combined amount of all proteins in your blood, mainly albumin and globulins, used to help evaluate liver, kidney, and nutritional status.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- T3, Free (fT3) The unbound, biologically active portion of triiodothyronine (T3), the more potent thyroid hormone. Used to evaluate thyroid function.
- T4, Free (fT4) The unbound, biologically active portion of thyroxine (T4), your main thyroid hormone. A core marker for evaluating thyroid function.
- Blood Urea Nitrogen Blood urea nitrogen, a waste product filtered by your kidneys. Used along with creatinine to assess kidney function and hydration status.
- Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein Estimates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, a triglyceride-rich particle, usually calculated from triglycerides in a standard lipid panel.
- Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate Estimated glomerular filtration rate — a calculated estimate of how well your kidneys are filtering waste from your blood, based on creatinine and other factors.
- Estradiol The main and most potent form of estrogen. Key for reproductive health in women and also present in men; used to evaluate menstrual, fertility, and hormone-related concerns.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP) A sensitive marker of low-grade inflammation in the body, commonly used to help assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1), LC/MS Insulin-like growth factor 1, a hormone that reflects your average growth hormone activity over time. Used to evaluate growth hormone excess or deficiency.
- LDL Cholesterol, Calculated The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration — the average concentration of hemoglobin within your red blood cells, used to help classify types of anemia.
- Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin — the average amount of hemoglobin per red blood cell, used to help classify types of anemia.
- Mean Corpuscular Volume Mean Corpuscular Volume — the average size of your red blood cells, a key value used to help determine the cause of anemia.
- Platelet Count Cell fragments that help your blood clot. Counted to screen for bleeding or clotting risk and various blood disorders.
- Red Blood Cell Count (RBC) Red blood cell count — the number of oxygen-carrying red blood cells in your blood, used to help diagnose anemia or polycythemia.
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW) Red Cell Distribution Width — measures how much your red blood cells vary in size, helpful for narrowing down the cause of anemia.
- White Blood Cell Count (WBC) White blood cell count — the total number of white blood cells in your blood, key immune cells. Used to help detect infection, inflammation, and other blood disorders.
The Lipid Panel measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. It is used to assess cardiovascular risk and guide management of lipid disorders.
Biomarkers
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein Estimates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, a triglyceride-rich particle, usually calculated from triglycerides in a standard lipid panel.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- LDL Cholesterol, Calculated The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
The Lipid Panel with LDL/HDL Ratio measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. It is used to assess cardiovascular risk and guide management of lipid disorders.
Biomarkers
- LDL/HDL Ratio Compares your 'bad' (LDL) to 'good' (HDL) cholesterol, offering a quick snapshot of cardiovascular risk balance.
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein Estimates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, a triglyceride-rich particle, usually calculated from triglycerides in a standard lipid panel.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- LDL Cholesterol, Calculated The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
The Lipid Panel with LDL/HDL Ratio is used to analyze a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease.
Biomarkers
- LDL/HDL Ratio Compares your 'bad' (LDL) to 'good' (HDL) cholesterol, offering a quick snapshot of cardiovascular risk balance.
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein Estimates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, a triglyceride-rich particle, usually calculated from triglycerides in a standard lipid panel.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- LDL Cholesterol, Calculated The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol Total cholesterol minus HDL — capturing all the potentially artery-clogging ('bad') cholesterol particles in one number.
- Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio Compares your total cholesterol to your HDL ('good') cholesterol, offering a quick snapshot of cardiovascular risk balance.
The Lipid Panel with Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. It is used to assess cardiovascular risk and guide management of lipid disorders.
Biomarkers
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein Estimates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, a triglyceride-rich particle, usually calculated from triglycerides in a standard lipid panel.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- LDL Cholesterol, Calculated The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio Compares your total cholesterol to your HDL ('good') cholesterol, offering a quick snapshot of cardiovascular risk balance.
The Lipid Panel with Total Cholesterol/HDL Ratio is used to analyze a patient's risk of cardiovascular disease.
Biomarkers
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein Estimates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, a triglyceride-rich particle, usually calculated from triglycerides in a standard lipid panel.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- LDL Cholesterol, Calculated The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol Total cholesterol minus HDL — capturing all the potentially artery-clogging ('bad') cholesterol particles in one number.
- Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio Compares your total cholesterol to your HDL ('good') cholesterol, offering a quick snapshot of cardiovascular risk balance.
The Lipoprotein Phenotyping Profile is used to evaluate hyperlipidemia to determine abnormal lipoprotein distribution and concentration in the serum.
Biomarkers
- Total Cholesterol The combined measure of all cholesterol in your blood — HDL, LDL, and other lipoproteins together. A foundational marker of cardiovascular risk.
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein Estimates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, a triglyceride-rich particle, usually calculated from triglycerides in a standard lipid panel.
- HDL Cholesterol The 'good' cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels are generally linked to lower cardiovascular risk.
- LDL Cholesterol, Calculated The 'bad' cholesterol that can build up in artery walls. A core marker used to assess cardiovascular disease risk.
This test measures the amount of triglycerides in the blood and calculates the level of very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C). VLDL-C is important for assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) like heart disease. VLDL carries cholesterol and is the main transporter of triglycerides in the blood. It's often part of a lipid profile test to evaluate overall risk for heart-related issues.
Biomarkers
- Triglycerides A type of fat in your blood used for energy storage. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and often reflect diet, weight, or metabolic health.
- Cholesterol, Very Low Density Lipoprotein Estimates very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol, a triglyceride-rich particle, usually calculated from triglycerides in a standard lipid panel.
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