]What is a Cholesterol Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is present in the blood and every cell of the body. Our body needs some amount of cholesterol that nourishes the cells and keeps the organs healthy.
Also Read: Cholesterol
What is a cholesterol test?
A cholesterol test is usually done to evaluate the amount of cholesterol and fats or lipids in the body.
What are the types of cholesterol?
There are two types of cholesterol:
High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL is also called good cholesterol. It is protective against atherosclerosis.
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL is the richest in cholesterol and has the maximum association with atherosclerosis and is called bad cholesterol.
Why is the test done?
A cholesterol test is done to measure the amount of cholesterol in the body or the check if there is a high risk of hypercholesteremia or any associated diseases because it does not show signs and symptoms usually.
Cholesterol tests measure the following parameters:
Total cholesterol: total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol or fat found in the blood that contains HDL, LDL or VLDL.
HDL: HDL means high-density lipoprotein. it is a good cholesterol that helps in eliminating LDL from the blood and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis.
LDL: LDL means low-density protein. It is a bad cholesterol and raises the risk of atherosclerosis that may cause a heart attack and shock etc.
Triglycerides: triglycerides are the smaller amount of fat present in the blood that occurs after the breakdown of the food particle after having a meal. High levels of triglyceride can raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases, mainly in women.
VLDL: VLDL means very low-density protein. VLDL carries much of the triglycerides and its blood levels are therefore parallel with that of glycerides; VLDL has marked less effect than LDL.
What is the normal range of total cholesterol?
The desirable normal serum level is 140-200mg/dl, while levels of borderline high are considered between 200-240mg/dl.
What does a higher level of total cholesterol indicate?
Borderline highs are considered between 200-240mg/dl. An elevation of total serum cholesterol levels above 260mg/dl in men and women between 30 and 50 years of age has a three times higher risk of developing IHD as compared with people with total serum cholesterol within normal limits.
What is the normal value of HDL?
The normal desirable serum level is <60mg/dl.
What does a low level of HDL indicate?
A low level of HDL can be harmful and does not protect from heart diseases and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
What is the normal value of LDL?
The normal optimal serum level is <130mg/dl.
What does a high value of LDL indicate?
LDL is the richest in cholesterol and has the maximum association with atherosclerosis which may cause heart disease and stroke.
What is the normal triglyceride?
Normal serum value is below 160mg/dl.
What does a high level of triglyceride indicate?
High level of triglycerides increases the risk of heart disease and coronary artery disease.
What is the normal value of VLDL?
The normal range of VLDL is between 2 and 30 mg/dl.
What is the high value of VLDL indicate?
It is considered one of the bad forms of cholesterol. It can clog the arteries which can cause heart attack and shock.
Who should get a cholesterol test?
- A person with a family history of heart disease and hyperlipidemia
- High blood pressure
- Type II diabetes
- Excessive body weight
- No physical activity
- High intake of saturated fat in the diet
