About Cholesterol Tests
You may know the basics about cholesterol. It’s not good to have too much in your blood. And you can develop high cholesterol from eating foods high in saturated fat.
But how much do you really know about cholesterol? And do you the difference between the various cholesterol tests?
Lifescript explores the facts about cholesterol and the various cholesterol tests you can take:
What is cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fatty substance, called lipids, that provides a membrane around the cells. It is beneficial in moderation, but if the blood accumulates too much LDL-cholesterol or low-density lipoproteins (bad cholesterol) and doesn’t have enough HDL-cholesterol or high-density lipoproteins (good cholesterol), cardiovascular disease (CVD) can develop. This means you’re at risk for heart attack and strokes. Triglycerides can also contribute to heart disease. Triglycerides, like cholesterol, are a type of lipid in the blood.
Determining cholesterol levels
To determine the levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol in your blood, you can take a cholesterol test, also known as a lipid test. For a lipoprotein profile, you need to fast (not eat or drink) for 9-12 hours before the test. You can drink water but no other liquids.
You don’t need to fast for a total cholesterol test, or a total cholesterol test with HDL measurement. For a cholesterol test, your blood will be drawn by a phlebotomist and taken to the lab for testing.
Test results
HDL cholesterol levels of 60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or higher are beneficial in lowering heart-disease risk.
LDL cholesterol levels less than 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L) are considered optimal.
Triglyceride levels above 199 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L) are considered high and may require treatment.
Risk factors
Certain factors such as diet, activity level, weight and family history can contribute to unhealthy cholesterol levels.
For more information offering cholesterol help, visit Lifescript.com.
The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).