Cholesterol Panel Testing in Vancouver, WA
We want you to feel better.
That is the core of who we are. We went into medicine because we want you to feel better!
We make sure our patients are heard, feel accepted, and experience compassionate care. That is why we are a membership based practice!
This is the heart of our cholesterol testing program. Knowing your cholesterol numbers is critical to protecting your heart. Our expert, medicine-trained providers deliver the high quality care we are passionate about!
Please read on to learn more about cholesterol testing. When you are ready, simply click Enroll Now to join the practice.
We look forward to meeting you soon!
A Guide to Cholesterol Panel Testing
At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, our clinicians expertly order and interpret your lipid panel. Cholesterol screening is one of the most important tools for preventing heart disease, stroke, and other serious cardiovascular events before symptoms ever appear.
- An Introduction to Cholesterol
- Understanding Your Panel Results
- Cholesterol Treatment Options
- Common Cholesterol Medications
- Choosing the Right Approach
- FAQs about Cholesterol Testing
An Intro to Cholesterol Testing
A cholesterol panel — also called a lipid panel — measures the levels of fats in your blood that directly affect your risk of heart disease and stroke. At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, we use your results to build a clear picture of your cardiovascular health and act before problems develop.
What Does a Cholesterol Panel Measure?
Your lipid panel gives us several important numbers that together tell your heart health story.
LDL — The One to Watch
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is often called bad cholesterol because elevated levels lead to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lowering LDL is the primary target of most cholesterol treatment plans, and your VDPC provider will set a specific goal based on your overall cardiovascular risk profile.
HDL, Triglycerides & Total Cholesterol
HDL is protective cholesterol — higher levels are better. Triglycerides are another blood fat tied to heart and metabolic health. Your provider looks at all four values together to get a complete cardiovascular risk picture, not just a single number. Treatment decisions are always based on the full panel in context.
Treatment Options for High Cholesterol
Does Treatment Depend on My Numbers?
Our providers evaluate your full lipid panel alongside your personal risk factors — age, blood pressure, smoking history, family history, and diabetes status — to determine the right treatment. Some patients need lifestyle changes only. Others benefit from medication in addition to dietary and activity improvements.
First-Line Cholesterol Medications
Statins are the most widely used medications for high cholesterol, and they are highly effective at lowering LDL and cardiovascular risk. Other options include ezetimibe and PCSK9 inhibitors for patients who need additional LDL reduction or cannot tolerate statins.
Cholesterol Medications
Common medications used to treat elevated cholesterol levels:
- Statins: Atorvastatin (Lipitor), Rosuvastatin (Crestor), Simvastatin (Zocor)
- Ezetimibe (Zetia): reduces cholesterol absorption
- PCSK9 Inhibitors: Evolocumab (Repatha), Alirocumab (Praluent)
- Fibrates: Fenofibrate — primarily for high triglycerides
Lifestyle Strategies
- Heart-healthy diet: reduce saturated and trans fats
- Regular aerobic exercise: raises HDL, lowers LDL
- Weight management: reduces triglycerides and LDL
- Smoking cessation: improves HDL and overall heart risk
Choosing the Right Cholesterol Treatment
Cholesterol management is not one-size-fits-all. At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, we conduct a thorough evaluation of your panel results, medical history, family history, and cardiovascular risk factors before recommending any treatment. Your plan is built around your individual needs.
Is Cholesterol Testing Covered for VDPC Members?
Ordering your lipid panel is included in your VDPC membership. The lab test itself is not included, but to bring down the cost you can use either your insurance or our steeply discounted cash rates, which keep your cholesterol panel well below standard retail lab pricing.
Get Professional Medical Support for Your Cholesterol & Heart Health
At Vancouver Direct Primary Care, our providers will work with you and your full health picture to make sure you are on the best plan for your heart.
Thoughtful care to help you:
- Know Your Cholesterol Numbers
- Reduce Your Heart Disease Risk
- Build a Treatment or Prevention Plan
- Stay on Track With Regular Monitoring
- Meet Your Cardiovascular Health Goals
FAQs About Cholesterol Testing
What is a healthy cholesterol level?
Optimal LDL is generally below 100 mg/dL for most adults, and below 70 mg/dL for those with high cardiovascular risk. HDL should be above 40 mg/dL for men and 50 mg/dL for women. Triglycerides below 150 mg/dL are considered normal. Your VDPC provider will interpret your numbers in the context of your full cardiovascular risk profile.
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol panel?
Fasting for 9 to 12 hours before your lipid panel provides the most accurate triglyceride reading, though non-fasting panels are increasingly used for routine LDL and total cholesterol screening. Your VDPC provider will let you know whether fasting is recommended based on what the panel is being used for and your specific situation.
Can I lower cholesterol without taking a statin?
Yes, in some cases. Dietary changes, increased physical activity, weight loss, and eliminating smoking can meaningfully lower LDL and improve your lipid panel. For patients with borderline levels and low overall risk, lifestyle intervention may be recommended first. For those with higher risk profiles or significantly elevated LDL, medication is typically needed alongside lifestyle changes.
How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
For adults with normal levels and no significant risk factors, cholesterol screening every four to six years is generally recommended. For those with elevated cholesterol, on treatment, or at higher cardiovascular risk, annual or more frequent testing is appropriate. Your VDPC provider will determine the right interval based on your individual health picture.
High-Quality Primary Care.
Your cholesterol panel visit, evaluation, and lab orders are included with your membership at our low monthly rate of only $149. The lab test itself is billed separately, and you can use your insurance or our steeply discounted cash rates to keep that cost low.
Vancouver Direct Primary Care is a membership-based medical clinic in Vancouver, WA. Just like a gym membership gives you ongoing access, ours gives you access to a provider who knows your heart health history and stays ahead of your risk.
This is how we keep our patient-to-provider ratio low and our care high. You get thorough, thoughtful care built on our values: being heard, feeling accepted, and receiving compassionate care every time.
Individuals
$149/month
- Cancel anytime with just a text
- Direct and secure Provider access via phone, email, video, or in-person
- Thorough, Thoughtful, and Compassionate Care
- Care that puts your goals at the center
- 10% discount for partners & families
Additional Services Included
Your membership includes your Primary Care needs as well! This includes your checkups, medication prescriptions and refills, lab orders, specialist referrals, order imaging studies, and many other primary care needs! This is Vancouver’s most thorough and affordable option for your health.
You also have our Testosterone Replacement Therapy evaluation and treatment program included in your membership!