Cholesterol, which appears like a waxy, fat-like substance, is found in all the cells of the human body. Our bodies need some amount of cholesterol to make vitamin D, hormones, and substances that assist in our digestion.
Introduction
Cholesterol, which appears like a waxy, fat-like substance, is found in all the cells of the human body. Our bodies need some amount of cholesterol to make vitamin D, hormones, and substances that assist in our digestion. Our bodies have the capacity to produce the required cholesterol. Apart, cholesterol can also be obtained from the food we eat like animal food, such as egg yolks, meat, and cheese.
But, we need a balance in our cholesterol as too much of it in our blood can combine with other substances present in the blood to form plaque. It is threatening as plaque tends to stick to the walls of our arteries, and this plaque buildup is known as atherosclerosis. With time, this can cause coronary artery disease, leading to conditions where our coronary arteries become narrow or even blocked.
Why do we need regular Cholesterol checks?
A cholesterol test is a very important parameter that provides us and our physicians with some crucial information about any potential risk of developing heart disease. If our test results show that we have high cholesterol, there are steps we can adopt to lower it. This, in turn, may reduce our risk of developing heart issues in the future.
So, what does a cholesterol test measure? It reveals some very important parameters that can help doctors predict and take precautionary measures to prevent heart ailments.
LDL levels: It is also called the "bad" cholesterol. LDL is the main reason for blockages in our arteries.
HDL levels: It is the "good" cholesterol, which helps us to get rid of "bad" LDL cholesterol.
Total cholesterol: It is the total amount of LDL cholesterol and HDL cholesterol in our blood.
Triglyceride levels: They are referred to as a type of fat found in our blood. As revealed by some research, high levels of triglycerides may precipitate the risk of developing heart disease, which is especially true for women.
VLDL levels: It is a short form of very low-density lipoprotein, which is considered another type of "bad" cholesterol for us. As a result of high VLDL levels, the chances of plaque buildup in the arteries grow manifold. However, VLDL is very difficult to measure and hence it is usually omitted in routine cholesterol tests. It is said that about 50% of VLDL is triglycerides, so our VLDL level can be calculated as a percentage of our triglyceride level.
Who needs cholesterol test?
If a person has a family history of heart disease or has a high risk of developing heart conditions, then the doctor may prescribe a cholesterol test as part of a routine examination. An individual may have the propensity to develop heart disease because of the following conditions:
- Very high blood pressure
- Type-2 diabetes
- Smoking
- Excess body weight or obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle or absence of physical activity
- Eating a diet containing high saturated fat, etc.
Aging may also be a probable factor because the risk of heart disease increases as one grows older.
Cholesterol test: The process
For a cholesterol test, a small amount of blood will be drawn from a person’s vein in the arm using a needle. The collected blood will be then will be put in a vial or test tube. The person may feel a sting when the needle is pierced. One can also use a home kit for cholesterol checks. The kit usually comprises a device to prick the finger to collect the blood for testing. One should read the instructions carefully before using the cholesterol testing kit. Also, inform your provider if the home test reveals a cholesterol level higher than 200 mg/DL.
How to control and keep cholesterol level in check
It is essential to maintain a healthy cholesterol level for our overall health. The cholesterol level of an individual is decided by many factors like lifestyle choices, family history and genetics, and medical conditions.
Lifestyle Choices: To maintain and keep the cholesterol level in check it is paramount for an individual to remain physically active. People should regularly engage in regular physical activity. On the other hand, eating a balanced diet is equally important if you want to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. Remember, saturated and trans fats are a strict no. Smoking and drinking are also harmful and raise the risk of high cholesterol.
Genetics and Family History: It is true that some people may have a genetic predisposition and may be more prone to high cholesterol levels. Genetics plays a key role and can play havoc. Certain genetic reasons can raise the risk and likelihood of high cholesterol.
Medical Conditions: There are also certain medical conditions or ailments, such as obesity, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease, which can have a negative influence and raise cholesterol levels in people. Hence, it is important to manage these conditions more efficiently to dodge the risk of gaining high cholesterol levels.
People need to realize and understand these factors to maintain a healthy cholesterol level. It will reduce their chances of getting any cardiovascular disease and also promote general health and well-being.
Cholesterol check price
If you are concerned about the cholesterol check price, talk to your physician or the diagnostic center directly to get an exact quote. The cholesterol check price may vary depending on the location, the particular diagnostic facility, and any extra screenings required in a particular case. Also, consult your insurance provider for any waiver or coverage for your cholesterol test. All these factors may influence the cholesterol check price.
Conclusion
So, we have seen how maintaining a healthy cholesterol level is important for us to lead a healthy life. We should regularly check our cholesterol levels so that we can keep a tab on our cardiovascular health. This can be addressed by eating a healthy diet, remaining active, and indulging in physical activity. If we have a high cholesterol level, this should be a wake-up call, and consult our doctor to chalk out a plan to bring it to a normal range. We should prioritize our health and keep a check on our cholesterol levels. Some people may have a genetic predisposition to develop high cholesterol. They should be extra cautious and constantly keep monitoring their cholesterol level. Keeping in touch with a physician will rule out these challenges and one will be able to keep the cholesterol level in check.
FAQs
How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
A healthy adult should go for a cholesterol check every four to six years. However, people who have a genetic predisposition, and have heart disease and diabetes need to check their cholesterol level more often.
Can I eat before a cholesterol test?
One is usually required to fast for nine to 12 hours before a cholesterol test. You should consult your doctor about this and if they have asked you not to eat, then refrain from eating anything for accurate and better results of the test.
Are there any alternative methods to check cholesterol levels?
Yes, there are some alternative techniques to check the cholesterol level of an individual. They are cholesterol home testing kits, advanced lipid testing, and point of care testing where a needle is pricked and the sample is tested then and there. However, the conventional methods of testing cholesterol levels are more reliable.
Can high cholesterol levels be managed without medication?
In the case of most people high cholesterol can be managed with lifestyle modifications. Maintaining an active physical life, eating heart-healthy food, quitting smoking and alcohol, exercising, yoga, meditation, etc, can lower cholesterol levels in an individual. However, one should consult with a doctor to rule out any danger, and be doubly sure of the cholesterol level.
Is it possible for cholesterol levels to improve over time?
Yes, it is possible to improve one’s cholesterol level over time. For this one should incorporate lifestyle changes. Adopting heart-healthy habits can improve the cholesterol-lowering power of medications. Medicines can also help improve the cholesterol level with time.
