Which laboratory test can help evaluate the risk of coronary artery disease?

The lipid panel is a key laboratory test for evaluating the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) because it measures levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. Specific components of the lipid panel, such as total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, provide important insights into a person's lipid profile. Elevated levels of LDL and triglycerides, along with low levels of HDL, are associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and subsequent coronary artery disease.

Monitoring lipid levels allows healthcare providers to identify patients who may benefit from lifestyle modifications or pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing CAD risk. This makes the lipid panel a critical tool in cardiovascular risk assessment and management.

In contrast, the other tests listed do not specifically evaluate risk for coronary artery disease: the complete blood count provides information about overall health and detects a variety of disorders but does not directly assess cardiac risk; the basic metabolic panel assesses electrolyte and kidney function rather than lipid status; and thyroid function tests evaluate hormone levels related to the thyroid gland, which may influence cardiovascular health but are not direct markers for CAD risk.