The screening test that is usually performed is a blood test called a lipid profile. The lipoprotein profile includes:
Total cholesterol – a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
LDL (Bad Cholesterol) – can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your chances of getting heart disease, by blocking the arteries. The lower your LDL cholesterol number, the lower your risk.
HDL (Good Cholesterol) – a higher number means lower risk. Protects against heart disease by taking the “bad” cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from building up in your arteries.
Triglycerides –fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. High triglyceride levels can increase risk of heart disease. Excess calories, alcohol, or sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides.