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Cholesterol Test and Why it's Important

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Nitya
Cholesterol Test and Why it's Important

Cholesterol is a fat-like material found in body cells and is required in the synthesis of Vitamin D, hormones, and substances needed for food digestion. The excess cholesterol forms plaque that sticks to arteries (atherosclerosis), leading to coronary artery diseases and stroke. You might be unaware of high levels of lipids for many years. Hence, it is important to monitor your levels regularly. 

The clinician recommends a cholesterol blood test to detect triglycerides or cholesterol in the blood for the diagnosis of serious health complications. The test contains various parameters such as LDL, VLDL, TL, HDL, and triglyceride levels for diagnosing the risk of heart disease. 

Various parameters in the Lipid profile test

The test is conducted to determine high cholesterol levels and measure cardiac attack risks and other illnesses. The complete lipid panel test includes various tests that are mentioned below:

  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL)- It is known as good cholesterol as it helps to keep arteries open and enables the blood to flow freely.
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)- It is the bad cholesterol that causes a build-up of plaques in the arteries and thereby lessens the blood flow leading to stroke and cardiac attack.
  • Total cholesterol (TL)- It is the total amount of lipids in the blood.
  • Triglycerides- These are the fats stored in the cells and linked with various attributes like consumption of excess alcohol, eating sweets in adequate amounts, obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle. 
  • Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)- It is available in low quantities in the blood. The elevated levels indicate abnormal cholesterol metabolism. 

 These are the essential vitals that are required to be tested in a cholesterol serum test. Now, why is this test required? 

Need of lipid panel serum test

The test is often prescribed for screening and monitoring CVDs. The specialist may also ask you to go for testing if you possess one or more risk factors for cardiac diseases. Various risk factors are discussed below:

  • Obesity
  • High cholesterol readings in the previous test
  • Smoking
  • If you are above 45 years of age.
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Have diabetes or at its risk (prediabetes)
  • Hypertension
  • A sibling or parent with heart disease at an early age.
  • The kids can also have elevated cholesterol levels due to poor diet, obesity, and hereditary. 

Moreover, specialists may also prescribe the test to diagnose other health conditions such as hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and pancreatitis. 

Interpretation of lipid profile test

The normal lipids levels signify normal cholesterol levels that are mentioned below:

  • Total cholesterol- > 200 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides- > 150 mg/dL
  • HDL- <60 mg/dL
  • LDL- >100 mg/dL, people with diabetes: >70 mg/dL

The readings, lower or higher, indicate high-risk, intermediate, and borderline CVD risks. The high LDL & TL and low HDL enhance the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Conclusion

Healthy lipids levels are based on various factors such as age, medical history, overall health, risk factors, and medicines. The abnormal lipids level indicates that you may require medical attention. The clinician recommends regular cholesterol monitoring and lifestyle modifications like diet and daily exercise routines. 

Hence, if you are looking for a lipid screening, schedule your test today itself! The cholesterol test price in Mumbai is reasonable as it comes within your budget. Early detection is the key to healthy life ahead!



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