In a lipid panel, which substances are primarily measured?

In a lipid panel, cholesterol and triglycerides are the primary substances measured. This test is designed to assess the levels of lipids in the blood, which are vital for evaluating cardiovascular risk and monitoring lipid-related diseases.

Cholesterol is comprised of several types, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL), both of which have different implications for heart health. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol are often associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease, while HDL cholesterol is considered protective against such conditions. Triglycerides, on the other hand, provide insight into how the body converts excess calories into fat, which can also influence cardiovascular health when levels are elevated.

Other options listed involve substances that are measured in different types of tests. Blood glucose and insulin relate to diabetes assessment, while sodium and potassium are typically assessed in electrolyte panels to evaluate kidney function and fluid balance. Albumin and globulins are proteins measured in liver function tests or to assess nutritional status and immune function, not in a lipid panel. Hence, the focus on cholesterol and triglycerides makes the choice of answer correct in the context of what a lipid panel is intended to measure.