Which profile focuses on lipid components to assess risk for coronary artery disease?

• A. HbA1c
• B. Liver function panel
• C. Lipid profile
• D. Urinalysis panel

Answer: (C)

Assessing risk for coronary artery disease centers on evaluating lipid levels that influence plaque buildup in the arteries. A lipid profile measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides, which together show how much lipid is circulating and how likely a buildup is to occur. When LDL and triglycerides are high or HDL is low, the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary events increases, guiding decisions about lifestyle changes and medications such as statins. The HbA1c test reflects long-term blood glucose control, not lipid status. The liver function panel checks liver health and enzymes, not lipid risk. A urinalysis screens for kidney, infection, and other issues, not lipid risk. So the lipid profile specifically focuses on lipid components to assess coronary artery disease risk.