What is Cholesterol? Cholesterol is a type of fat, known as a lipid. It is carried around the body in the blood and is found in all the body's cells. Only a small amount of the cholesterol in the body comes from the diet. Cholesterol is found in food that comes from animals such as meat, poultry, fish, seafood and dairy products, especially egg yolks. The body needs cholesterol to be healthy. Too much cholesterol in the blood can be a health risk. Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), is known as bad cholesterol. LDL is the main cholesterol carrier in the blood. If there is too much LDL in the blood it can build up on artery walls. A high level of LDL cholesterol can lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.A fatty deposit can occur in the blood vessels in the heart, which then become narrowed thus reducing the blood flow to the heart. High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) is known as good cholesterol. HDL is good for keeping the heart healthy and preventing the narrowing of the arteries because it carries cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for disposal. The body maintains a balance of cholesterol, making more if it needs it and getting rid of any excess. Sometimes this balance is disturbed. Eating a low fat diet can lower LDL levels and exercising can raise HDL levels. Why is it important to perform a Cholesterol Test? It is important to perform a Cholesterol Test because having a high cholesterol level does not always produce symptoms and therefore you may be suffering from a high cholesterol level without even knowing about it. You can now perform a Cholesterol Test in the privacy of your own home and at your own convenience. What types of Cholesterol Tests are available for home use? There are two types of Cholesterol Tests that are available for home use. The Total Cholesterol Test uses a blood sample to measure the Total Cholesterol level in the bloodstream. The normal Total level should be less than 200mg/dl. A level greater than this presents a risk factor for coronary heart disease, which can result in blood blockage and potential heart failure or heart attack. The Total and HDL Cholesterol Screening Test uses two small blood samples to measure the Total and HDL (good) cholesterol levels. HDL is known as good cholesterol because it carries the cholesterol away from the heart and arteries. The ratio of Total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol is thought to be a more reliable figure for determining the risk of developing coronary heart disease. When should the Cholesterol Test be performed? Anyone over the age of 35 should consider performing the Cholesterol Test on a regular basis as a screening tool. Also if you suffer from, or there is a family history of, coronary heart disease, disease in the blood vessels that supply the limbs, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and smoking. |
