Cholesterol blood test, also known as a lipid profile test measures the cholesterol levels and other fats like triglycerides in your blood. The cholesterol test helps determine the risk of plaque in arteries that may lead to heart diseases. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is essential to keep your body’s organs and cells healthy. Although your liver produces cholesterol, you can gain it through foods including dairy products, meat, and eggs.
Cholesterol, to a certain extent, is healthy. However, too much of it can form a build-up that increases your risk of stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart diseases. In India, high cholesterol is present in 25-30% of the urban and 15-20% of rural populations [1]. Note that the prevalence of high cholesterol is more in high-income nations. The CDC suggests a person should get a cholesterol test done in every 5 years beginning from age of 20.
Read on to know all about cholesterol levels and the cholesterol blood test.
Additional Read: High Cholesterol Symptoms
A cholesterol blood test measures the levels of different fats in your blood:
The level of cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). The cholesterol test normal range is as follows [2]:
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends screening of cholesterol between the ages of 9 and 11. Thereafter, the test should be repeated after every 5 years. Further, it recommends screening for cholesterol every 1-2 years for males between the ages of 45 to 65 and females aged between 55 to 60. Those above the age of 65 years should get a cholesterol test done every year. Besides, your doctor may order you a cholesterol blood test if you have the following:
A cholesterol blood test is usually done in the morning and may require you to fast for several hours before the test. During the this test, a healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from the veins in your arm by using a needle. Before inserting the needle, the puncture area is cleaned with antiseptic. Then, your upper arm is wrapped with an elastic band to help fill the blood in your veins.
Your blood is collected into a vial after drawing it out with the needle. The elastic band is then removed to normalize blood circulation. Once the required amount of blood is collected in the syringe or vial, the healthcare professional will take out the needle and apply a bandage to the skin area. The cholesterol test procedure takes a few minutes to complete.
Additional Read: Dietary Cholesterol
An inactive lifestyle and poor diet are some factors that increase bad cholesterol. You must take appropriate measures to lower the risk of complications such as stroke and heart attack. One easy precaution you can take is to book online consultations with the best doctors near you on Bajaj Finserv Health. Here, you can also book a full body check-up package including a cholesterol blood test. This way, you can keep your cholesterol levels under check.
References
Disclaimer
Stay Up-to-date with Health Trends. Read latest blogs on health and wellness. Know More!
Get the link to download the app