Ajax Harwood Clinic

Cholesterol test (lipid panel)

Full name: Lipid panel (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides)

This test is useful only in specific situations — it's not right for everyone who asks about it.

What this test is

A lipid panel checks your cholesterol. It measures total cholesterol, HDL (the 'good' kind), LDL (the 'bad' kind), and triglycerides. This is a truly useful test for your heart disease risk. Canadian heart guidelines suggest checking it from age 40, or earlier if you have risk factors. It matters most if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, kidney disease, or a family history of early heart disease. A related marker called Lp(a) is worth checking once in your life. You do not need to repeat this test every year once your risk and plan are set. Adding it to every yearly panel, no matter your risk, is not needed.

Want to see the full clinical reasoning? The reference we use for this test is open to anyone — it is detailed and written for clinicians, and you are welcome to read it.

Open the clinician reference →

Looking for other tests, or more on a condition an ND raised? Explore ask.ajaxharwoodclinic.com →

General health information for Ajax Harwood Clinic patients and the public — not medical advice, and not a substitute for seeing your own doctor. Last reviewed 2026-09-23.