Blood testing is already part of most health screening and check up packages many clinics offer. It can include measuring your cholesterol levels. Excess cholesterol can cause significant health concerns such as heart disease and stroke. Checking the cholesterol in your body through a blood test is the most basic and reliable method of determining the cholesterol levels in circulation. Here is a list of frequently asked questions about measuring cholesterol and blood tests.
#1 What is Cholesterol Blood Test?
A cholesterol blood test measures the amount of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (often referred to as “bad” cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (often referred to as “good” cholesterol), and triglycerides in the blood.
#2 Why is it important?
Cholesterol levels can impact your health. Elevated cholesterol levels are associated with increased heart disease and stroke risk. Getting high blood pressure at the clinic can indicate an increase in the cholesterol levels in your body. A cholesterol blood test is a critical tool for monitoring cholesterol levels and helping to prevent serious health problems.
#3 Who should get tested?
Most health experts recommend that everyone over the age of 20 should monitor the cholesterol in their body through a blood test at least once every five years. Those at higher risk for heart diseases, such as those with a family history of heart disease or high blood pressure, should get tested more frequently.
#4 What are the normal ranges for cholesterol levels?
Clinics will measure the levels of all cholesterol types in a blood test. Total cholesterol levels should be below 200 mg/dL, while LDL cholesterol levels should be below 100 mg/dL. HDL cholesterol levels should be above 60 mg/dL, and triglycerides should be below 150 mg/dL.
#5 What do the results mean?
If you have elevated cholesterol levels, making lifestyle changes and taking medications is critical to bring your cholesterol back within a healthy range. It may include eating healthier, losing weight, increasing physical activity, and quitting smoking.
#6 What can affect the results?
Several factors can affect cholesterol levels in your blood test results. It includes recent diet, exercise, medications, and health conditions. Food fasting 9-12 hours before the test and avoiding alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours are crucial to ensuring accurate results.
#7 How is the test performed?
Measuring your cholesterol levels in a blood test is simple and quick. The nurse will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, and the results are typically available within a few days.
To summarise, a cholesterol blood test is crucial for monitoring cholesterol levels, and it assists in preventing significant health problems. If you have elevated readings, it is critical to adopt lifestyle adjustments and, if required, take medication to put your levels back into a healthy range.
Sunway Healthcare Group (SHG) is a leading integrated private healthcare provider in Malaysia and Singapore, with a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities. Their primary mission is to offer great medical results through patient-centred treatment. They continue to enhance the lives they touch by providing comprehensive healthcare alternatives such as health screening and check up packages and GP services. Visit Sunway Medical Centre’s website to discover more about its facilities and other services, such as IVF operations.
