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Understanding the lipid profile
Total, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides each play a different role in reading a lipid profile.
More than one number
Total cholesterol gives an initial picture. LDL, HDL, and triglycerides add context, but risk decisions also take into account age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, and clinical history.
Focus on the pattern
Choose vegetables, whole fruit, fish, nuts and legumes, soluble fiber, and unsaturated fats. Limit saturated fat, ultra-processed foods, and added sugar.
