Contents
In line with its mission, the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony makes every effort to provide reliable medical content supported by the latest scientific knowledge. The additional flag “Checked Content” indicates that the article has been reviewed by or written directly by a physician. This two-step verification: a medical journalist and a doctor allows us to provide the highest quality content in line with current medical knowledge.
Our commitment in this area has been appreciated, among others, by by the Association of Journalists for Health, which awarded the Editorial Board of MedTvoiLokony with the honorary title of the Great Educator.
Cholesterol is a compound without which our body will not function properly. It is a material for the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D and bile acids – needed for the digestion of fats. Its excess can lead to serious problems with the circulatory system. When is it worth checking blood cholesterol, what are the tests like and what results do you need to consult a doctor about?
However, excess cholesterol can build up in the walls of your arteries, including those that nourish your heart, contributing to coronary heart disease, i.e. coronary artery disease.
What is the lipid profile?
By taking a small amount of venous blood, it is possible to determine the level of cholesterol in the body. The test is performed on an empty stomach and is called the lipid profile. It includes the following markings:
• total cholesterol (the overall level of cholesterol in the body),
• HDL (“good”) cholesterol (prevents the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries),
• LDL (“bad”) cholesterol (the main cause of atherosclerosis in the vessels),
• triglycerides (another form of fat in the body that can also lead to atherosclerosis).
By determining the level of cholesterol, it is possible to assess the individual risk of developing heart disease. In healthy people over 30 years of age, it is recommended to perform the lipid profile every 3 years. Over 50 years of age, this test is recommended once a year (for both men and women).
How to prepare for a cholesterol test?
Typically, the lipid profile is determined on an empty stomach. No food or liquid (except water) should be consumed in the 14 hours preceding the test, and no alcohol should be consumed within 48 hours.
In some cases, such as when it comes to measuring total or HDL cholesterol only, food and fluids may be consumed in the pre-test period.
What does the examination look like?
During the cholesterol test, the nurse will take a small amount of blood from your hand. Usually, for this purpose, he will make a puncture in the area of the elbow fossa. After collecting the blood, you will receive a cotton ball, which should be pressed firmly against the puncture site (this way, it prevents the formation of a possible hematoma). Remember that you shouldn’t bend your elbow at this stage. Try to keep your upper limb straight until a little bleeding has stopped. Then you can stop applying pressure to the injection site and throw away the cotton ball. If you are bleeding heavily, ask the nurse for an extra cotton ball and plaster.
How long does cholesterol testing take?
Blood sampling is a very quick procedure and takes up to a few minutes.
You can also do a cholesterol test at home. If you order a Multifunction meter – glucose, cholesterol, uric acid – NOVAMA MultiCheck Pro +, you will also test other blood parameters and you will be able to regularly check them without the need to go for a referral and to collect material for tests.
Is cholesterol testing painful?
It is only slightly sore when the nurse performs the puncture.
After the test …
After the cholesterol test, when the bleeding at the injection site has stopped, you can resume your daily activities. If you donated blood while fasting, be sure to eat a meal. If you are taking medications and the doctor ordering the test has not decided otherwise, you can use them according to a predetermined schedule.
Risks from cholesterol testing
When collecting blood, there is a slight risk of infection at the puncture site – but it is not higher than in any other case of a broken skin.
After testing for cholesterol, a small bruise or hematoma may appear at the injection site (in the latter case, the amount of blood that collects under the skin is greater). If the bruise / hematoma grows larger just after blood sampling, apply more pressure to the injection site. If this does not work after a few or several minutes, contact your doctor. In people with a bleeding disorder or taking anticoagulants, bleeding at the injection site is sometimes more severe. Some patients report feeling faint or dizzy after taking blood. In this case, lie down on something flat, eat a meal or a drink of water. Fainting after blood sampling is extremely rare.
Cholesterol Test – Results
Lipodic profile results are usually available within a few days of blood collection. Depending on their cholesterol levels, patients are classified into specific cardiovascular risk categories.
Cholesterol LDL-C:
- Very high risk: LDL-C less than 1,8 mmol / l (70 mg / dc)
- High risk: LDL-C less than 2,6 mmol / l (1000 mg / dl)
- Moderate risk: LDL-C less than 3,0 mmol / l (115 mg / dl)
- Low risk: LDL-C less than 3,0 mmol / l (115 mg / dl)
Non-HDC-C cholesterol:
- Very high risk: non-HDL-C less than 2,6 mmol / l (100 mg / dl)
- High risk: non-HDL-C less than 3,4 mmol / l (130 mg / dl)
- Moderate risk: non-HDL-C less than 3,8 mmol / l (145 mg / dl)
- Low risk: non-HDL-C less than 3,8 mmol / l (145 mg / dl)
The risk of cardiovascular disease depends not only on the level of cholesterol or triglycerides, but also on the presence of other risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, smoking or previously diagnosed heart problems.
If your cholesterol test results are not satisfactory, we recommend using APCC – reishi, shitake, cordyceps, chaga – YANGO dietary supplement, which you can buy at Medonet Market.
When should you see a doctor?
The results of lipid profile tests should be discussed with your doctor. They will explain whether you are at risk for cardiovascular disease and, if necessary, recommend a diet or medication. It should be remembered that cholesterol-lowering drugs significantly reduce the risk of heart disease.