Lipid Panel

Authored by Chris McDermott, APRN, practicing with autonomous authority in Florida

Introduction

Your lipid panel provides critical insight into your cardiovascular health—even when you feel perfectly fine. Elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels are often asymptomatic, but they silently contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious conditions.

At Intercoastal Health, we interpret lipid panels through a functional medicine telehealth lens, identifying early imbalances and addressing their root causes. This approach empowers patients to improve lipid metabolism through personalized nutrition, lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, and biomarker-guided interventions.

What Is a Lipid Panel?

A lipid panel—also known as a lipid profile—is a blood test that measures the levels of various fats in the bloodstream. These lipids play essential roles in hormone production, cell membrane integrity, and energy storage. However, when imbalanced, they can contribute to inflammation, oxidative stress, and vascular damage.
A standard lipid panel includes:

• Total Cholesterol
  
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol
  
• Cholesterol : HDL (HDL cholesterol)
  
• Triglycerides

   

Additional markers—especially in a functional medicine practice—may include:

• LDL particle number and size
  
• Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
  
• Lipoprotein (a)
  
• high-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP)

   

Why Lipids Matter

Lipids themselves are not inherently harmful. In fact, cholesterol is required for the synthesis of vitamin D, steroid hormones, and bile acids. The issue arises when lipid balance is disrupted—either due to excess, deficiency, or poor lipid particle quality—contributing to endothelial damage and atherosclerotic plaque formation.
Abnormal lipid levels are a well-documented risk factor for:

• Atherosclerosis
  
• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
  
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
  
• Ischemic stroke
  
• Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance

   

Signs and Symptoms

Most patients with abnormal lipid levels do not experience noticeable symptoms until cardiovascular disease has advanced. However, in rare cases, physical manifestations may include:

• Xanthelasmas: Yellowish cholesterol-rich plaques near the eyelids
  
• Corneal arcus: A white or gray arc around the cornea, more common in younger individuals with familial hyperlipidemia
  
• Tendon xanthomas: Cholesterol deposits in tendons, often seen in genetic lipid disorders

   

These signs warrant immediate investigation with comprehensive lipid and inflammatory biomarkers.

Diagnostic Interpretation: Functional Medicine Insights

Contributing Factors to Lipid Imbalance

• Dietary Patterns
  
  • High refined carbohydrates, sugar, trans fats, and industrial seed oils
    
  • Low fiber, omega-3 fats, and antioxidant-rich foods
    
• Physical Inactivity
  
  • Sedentary behavior reduces HDL and increases triglycerides
    
• Metabolic Disorders
  
  • Insulin resistance, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes increase triglycerides and small, dense LDL
    
• Genetic Conditions
  
  • Familial hypercholesterolemia or hypertriglyceridemia
    
• Hormonal Imbalances
  
  • Hypothyroidism can raise LDL and total cholesterol
    
  • Low estrogen or testosterone may reduce HDL
    
• Liver or Kidney Dysfunction
  
  • Affects lipid clearance and synthesis

     

Interfering Factors in Lipid Testing

• Recent illness or infection: May falsely elevate triglycerides
  
• Postprandial status: Fasting 10–12 hours is optimal
  
• Alcohol consumption: Can acutely elevate triglycerides
  
• Weight loss or fasting: May lower cholesterol temporarily
  
• Menstrual cycle fluctuations: Slight variations in HDL and total cholesterol
  
• Pregnancy: Naturally raises cholesterol and triglyceride levels

   

Medications That Impact Lipid Levels

May Elevate Lipids:

• Thiazide diuretics
  
• Beta-blockers
  
• Retinoids (Vitamin A derivatives)
  
• Oral corticosteroids
  
• Anabolic steroids

   

May Lower or Improve Lipids:

• Statins (note CoQ10 depletion)
  
• Fibrates (reduce triglycerides)
  
• Niacin (raises HDL, lowers Lp(a))
  
• Omega-3 prescription formulations (high triglycerides)
  
• PCSK9 inhibitors (familial hypercholesterolemia)

   

Functional Medicine Approach at Intercoastal Health

1. Comprehensive Testing
   
   • LDL particle number and size
     
   • ApoB and Lipoprotein (a)
     
   • hsCRP and homocysteine
     
   • Insulin, glucose, and hemoglobin A1c
     
2. Targeted Nutrition Plan
   • Fiber-rich whole foods (vegetables, legumes, flaxseeds)
     
   • Omega-3 from wild fish, walnuts, chia seeds                       
     
   • Limit refined carbs, trans fats, sugary beverages
     
   • Therapeutic foods: garlic, green tea, turmeric, berries
     
3. Supplementation (As Clinically Indicated)
   • Omega-3 EPA/DHA: Reduces triglycerides and inflammation
     
   • Red yeast rice: Natural statin alternative (monitor LFTs)
     
   • Plant sterols: Block cholesterol absorption
     
   • Niacin: For elevated Lp(a)
     
   • CoQ10: If on statin therapy
     
   • Berberine: Supports insulin sensitivity and LDL reduction
     
4. Exercise and Stress Management
   • Regular aerobic activity to improve HDL and lower LDL/triglycerides
     
   • Mind–body practices (yoga, breathwork, meditation)

      

Long-Term Monitoring and Prevention

• Monitor lipid markers every 3–6 months during active management
  
• Annual testing once stable; more frequent if strong family history or metabolic syndrome
  
• Aim not only to normalize labs, but to optimize cardiovascular resilience