What diagnostic test is used to assess hyperlipidemia?

The assessment of hyperlipidemia, which refers to elevated levels of lipids in the blood, primarily involves measuring specific types of cholesterol and triglycerides. A lipid panel or blood work for LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels is the standard diagnostic test utilized for this purpose. This test provides crucial information, including the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglycerides.

LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring and evaluating LDL levels are essential for diagnosing hyperlipidemia, making it a critical component of patient assessment in both preventive and treatment settings.

The other tests listed do not provide relevant information for diagnosing hyperlipidemia. For instance, a chest X-ray primarily views lung conditions and heart size, a complete blood count assesses various blood components like red and white blood cells but not lipid levels, and a urinalysis evaluates kidney function and the presence of substances in urine, none of which would indicate lipid levels or lipid-related disorders.