The Lipid Profile is a blood test that measures cholesterol in your body. Health Testing Centers allow you to obtain accurate cholesterol testing without first going to your doctor, saving you time and money.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in certain foods and in your body's cells. Your body needs a small amount of cholesterol to function normally. When too much cholesterol is present, plaque (a hard deposit) may form in your body's arteries restricting the blood to flow to the heart. This buildup causes hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) over time, which can lead to heart disease.

Cholesterol moves through your blood attached to a protein -- together called a Lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are classified as high density and low density depending on how much protein there is compared to cholesterol.

Low density Lipoproteins (LDL); also called "bad cholesterol, can cause plaque on the walls of arteries. The more LDL there is in your blood, the greater your risk of heart disease.

High density Lipoproteins (HDL); also called "good cholesterol, helps get rid of bad cholesterol in your blood. The more HDL there is in your blood, the lower your risk of heart disease.

Elevated cholesterol levels generally do not produce any visible symptoms, but can result in the development of serious conditions like hypertension and heart attacks. Have your cholesterol checked regularly, and take control of your health.