A cholesterol test is an examination performed to measure the level of fat in the blood. For people with a history of high cholesterol, cholesterol testing needs to be done regularly. Uncontrolled cholesterol levels in the blood can trigger a variety of diseases, such as strokes and heart attacks.
If you do not have special health problems, it is recommended to do a cholesterol check at least once every five years. But if you have a history of high cholesterol, suffer from obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, or heart disease, do a cholesterol test regularly as recommended by the doctor.
What are Measured in Cholesterol Tests?
Cholesterol tests can be done to measure the levels of four types of fat in the blood, namely:
1. Good cholesterol (high density lipoprotein / HDL)
HDL is known as good cholesterol because it helps the body release bad cholesterol from the blood, and prevents fat from accumulating in blood vessels. The ideal HDL level is 40 mg / dL. When HDL levels are too low, the risk of heart disease will increase.
2. Low density lipoprotein / LDL
Unlike HDL, bad cholesterol or LDL can actually cause fat buildup in blood vessels. The body's tolerance limit for bad cholesterol is 100-129 mg / dL. If you exceed this limit, you will be more at risk for atherosclerosis and heart disease.
3. Triglycerides
Just like LDL, triglyceride levels that are too high in the blood can also increase the risk of heart disease. Triglyceride levels are considered high, if they exceed 150 mg / dL.
4. Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, namely HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Total cholesterol levels that are classified as normal are less than 200 mg / dL.
Cholesterol Test Procedure Performed
Cholesterol tests are carried out on your blood sample. Your doctor will advise you to fast from the night before the examination, which is 9-12 hours before blood collection is done. Blood samples will be taken in the morning the next day, then your cholesterol levels will be measured in the laboratory.
Your doctor may also record your weight, diet, physical activity, and history of your illness, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
Cholesterol checks are recommended to start since the age of 20 years. Especially for those of you who smoke, are obese, and have a history of high cholesterol in the family. But if you do not smoke and do not have these conditions, a cholesterol test can be started from the age of 35. Then for the next examination, it can be adjusted to the doctor's advice.
Cholesterol tests on a regular basis as recommended by your doctor can help you control cholesterol levels in the blood. To keep cholesterol levels under control, you are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle, starting from reducing fatty foods, stopping smoking, avoiding alcoholic drinks, and exercising regularly.
If the cholesterol test results show your cholesterol levels are not normal, consult your doctor further to get the right treatment, both in the form of lifestyle improvements and prescription drugs.
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