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Cholesterol Testing: Benefits, Importance, Procedure, Cost

Cholesterol Testing: Benefits, Importance, Procedure, Cost

Do you know that most people who have developed chronic heart disease have a rise in their cholesterol level consistently. Cholesterol is produced by the liver and it is also found in certain food items.

Do you know that most people who have developed chronic heart disease have a rise in their cholesterol level consistently. Cholesterol is produced by the liver and it is also found in certain food items.

cholesterol is essential for many body functions such as building cell membranes,digestion etc however it is very essential to maintain the level of the cholesterol at a required level because a high level of cholesterol may aid in developing the chronic disease.cholesterol has a very important role in maintaining the heart health therefore its is very important to track your cholesterol level regularly with the help of cholesterol testing.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is found in our blood. It is essential for the production of healthy cells,vitamins and hormones in the body. Its is not “bad” unless you have too much cholesterol in the body.high level of cholesterol will lead to the cardiovascular disease such as stroke.it will also leads to the deposition of fats in the blood vessels, eventually as these deposition grows it leads to difficulty in flow of blood through the arteries.

Why Does Cholesterol Matter?

  • Cholesterol is the precursor for the synthesis of all types of steroids in the body
  • Cholesterol helps in the conversion of sun rays into the vitaminD
  • Cholesterol is required for the conversion of the fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A,D,E and K.
  • It also protect internal organs
  • It is important for the proper functioning of the body functions

How to Measure the Cholesterol Levels in the Body?

A blood test called a lipid profile is used to measure the cholesterol level into the body. This test will provide the information about:

  • LDL cholesterol: low density lipoprotein cholesterol, it also known as the bad cholesterol because the high level of this indicates build up of cholesterol and fats causing the blockage into the arteries.
  • HDL cholesterol: high density lipoprotein cholesterol ,it is also known as good cholesterol as HDL helps in the removal of the buildup fat and cholesterol from the body.
  • Non HDL: it is the total no of cholesterol present in the body minus HDL . non HDL included LDL cholesterol and all other types of cholesterol
  • Triglycerides: it is the type of fat substances present in the blood high level of it cause the blockage in the arteries
  • Total cholesterol: it is the total amount of cholesterol present in the blood

Why Do You Need Cholesterol Testing?

  • Growing age: as you become older your chances of getting a high level of cholesterol will increase therefore it is essential for people with old age to keep in track of their cholesterol level regularly
  • Family history: if a high level of cholesterol or cardiovascular disease runs in your family then you must keep in check with your cholesterol level because it is always better to find out earlier as early diagnosis can prevent the future complications 
  • Smoking and alcohol:  cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption will decrease your good cholesterol level and increase the bad cholesterol in the blood which leads to fat build up causing the blockage or the narrowing of the arteries
  • Obesity: people  who are obese are at very high risk of developing the high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease so it is very important for them to monitor their cholesterol level
  • Lack of exercise: lack of physical activity aid in the development of high cholesterol level
  • Chronic illness: if you have a chronic illness such as diabetes , hypertension etc then you must do a cholesterol testing as chronic illness will increase your chances of getting high cholesterol level in the blood
  • Unhealthy diet: if you are the one who loves eating junk food then you are the perfect candidate  for high cholesterol levels

It is important to understand that even if you do not have any symptoms it is always to better to done your routine checkup regularly and promote your well being

 Benefits of Cholesterol Testing

  • Monitoring your cholesterol level regularly will allow you to diagnose the serious cardiovascular diseases early and based on your test result you can start doing 

Preventive Measure and Avoid Developing and Actual Serious Complications

  • Person who already have a chronic illness getting tested will help the clinician to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy 
  • Cholesterol testing will provide the overall picture of the levels of your cholesterol in the body. If a person diagnoses a slight increase in their LDL then they can start taking preventive measures such as regular exercise,proper diet etc to maintain their levels of cholesterol before it can aid in some serious illness.
  • Getting tested early will also provide information about whether you have a high level of cholesterol since birth due to some genetic reasons.

Overall no matter what your age,whether you have cardiovascular disease or other chronic illness or you follow sedentary lifestyle it is always better to track your cholesterol level and work towards the goal for your healthy life

What Do You Need to Do Before the Cholesterol Testing?

  • No fasting is required before the cholesterol testing
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before the testing as it may alter the test results
  • Tell your doctor if you are taking any medications
  • Stay hydrated

What is the Procedure for Cholesterol Testing?

  •  Lab technician will ask you to sit comfortably
  • They will first clean the arm to avoid any infection.
  • After finding the vein the blood will be drawn from it using a sterile syringe
  • When the blood is drawn, then the puncture site will be covered with the bandage

 

The price for cholesterol testing varies from place to place. The average price for  the cholesterol testing is 150 rs but ganesh diagnostic provides 50% discount on diagnostic tests with 100%accurate results .So what you're waiting for it's time for you to take charge of your own health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a cholesterol test?

It is a blood test which measure the level of cholesterol in your blood

What is the price for cholesterol

The average price for cholesterol is 150 but at ganesh diagnostic you can book this test at a discount upto 50%

What preparation is needed before taking this test?

No preparation is required before taking this test

Does consumption of alcohol before taking a cholesterol test affect my results?

Yes drinking alcohol will alter your test results.