Everything You Need To Know About Cholesterol TestHealth Care ProvidersUpdated on Feb 7, 2017 View more like this | Visit India, UN | Contact Lal PathLabs |
A complete blood cholesterol test is also known as lipid panel or lipid profile. This pathology blood test is a test that measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides present in the blood. A high level of cholesterol leads to narrowed or blocked arteries and ultimately results in heart-related problems. A high cholesterol level does not indicate any signs or symptoms, therefore, performing a complete blood cholesterol test is important.
Why to perform this test?
Cholesterol test is done to calculate the below mentioned four types of fats or lipids in the blood:
• Total cholesterol.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol.
• Low density lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol.
• Triglycerides.
Who should get a blood cholesterol test?
Adults who are 18 or above should get this test done in every 5 years to avoid developing high cholesterol level in the blood. More frequent testing is needed if the initial cholesterol test results are positive. Also, along with this, the test is needed if one:
• has a family history of high cholesterol or heart attacks,
• is overweight,
• is physically inactive,
• is suffering from diabetes,
• smokes cigarettes, etc.
What does cholesterol test procedure involves?
In a cholesterol test procedure, one is required to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test. Other than liquid like water, one cannot consume solid food. The test is generally performed in the morning to get more accurate results. A sample of blood is drawn and collected in a small container. The entire procedure hardly takes 5-7 minutes and is relatively painless.
However, some of the cholesterol blood tests do not need fasting and one can just follow the instructions provided by the doctor.
Cholesterol test results
If the total cholesterol level is above- 6.2 mmol/L, it indicates that the person has high cholesterol level.
If the LDL level is above- 4.9 mmol/L, it indicates that the person has high cholesterol level.
If the HDL level is above- 1.5 mmol/L, it indicates that the person has high cholesterol level.
If the Triglycerides is above 5.6 mmol/L it indicates that the person has very high level of cholesterol in the blood.
If the results are abnormally high, immediately consult the doctor and follow the prescribed suggestions to lower the level of cholesterol.
Why to perform this test?
Cholesterol test is done to calculate the below mentioned four types of fats or lipids in the blood:
• Total cholesterol.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol.
• Low density lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol.
• Triglycerides.
Who should get a blood cholesterol test?
Adults who are 18 or above should get this test done in every 5 years to avoid developing high cholesterol level in the blood. More frequent testing is needed if the initial cholesterol test results are positive. Also, along with this, the test is needed if one:
• has a family history of high cholesterol or heart attacks,
• is overweight,
• is physically inactive,
• is suffering from diabetes,
• smokes cigarettes, etc.
What does cholesterol test procedure involves?
In a cholesterol test procedure, one is required to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test. Other than liquid like water, one cannot consume solid food. The test is generally performed in the morning to get more accurate results. A sample of blood is drawn and collected in a small container. The entire procedure hardly takes 5-7 minutes and is relatively painless.
However, some of the cholesterol blood tests do not need fasting and one can just follow the instructions provided by the doctor.
Cholesterol test results
If the total cholesterol level is above- 6.2 mmol/L, it indicates that the person has high cholesterol level.
If the LDL level is above- 4.9 mmol/L, it indicates that the person has high cholesterol level.
If the HDL level is above- 1.5 mmol/L, it indicates that the person has high cholesterol level.
If the Triglycerides is above 5.6 mmol/L it indicates that the person has very high level of cholesterol in the blood.
If the results are abnormally high, immediately consult the doctor and follow the prescribed suggestions to lower the level of cholesterol.
