Which common laboratory test assesses cardiovascular health?

The lipid panel is a common laboratory test specifically designed to assess cardiovascular health by measuring the levels of different types of lipids in the blood. This panel typically includes measurements of total cholesterol, LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol or triglycerides, as well as low levels of HDL cholesterol, are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Monitoring lipid levels provides critical information that healthcare providers use to evaluate a patient's risk for cardiovascular events, guide treatment options, and implement preventive measures. Regular lipid panel testing is especially important for individuals with risk factors for heart disease, allowing for timely interventions and lifestyle modifications to improve heart health.

In contrast, a complete blood count primarily evaluates general health and detects a variety of disorders, urinalysis is focused on kidney function and metabolic conditions, and a thyroid function test is used to assess thyroid hormone levels rather than cardiovascular health.