Why do you need a test?

Cholesterol is an important organic substance that is necessary for the formation of cells of all organs and tissues of the body. However, in excess, it poses a direct threat to health, since it is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Many people believe that high cholesterol only appears in people who are overweight, but this is not true. Cholesterol can be elevated in athletes and fashion models of any age. Therefore, everyone should take a cholesterol test to monitor levels regularly. Men over age 40 and women in menopause should take this test annually, even if there are no significant health problems.

Different types of cholesterol

There are several types of cholesterol, each with its important role:

• Low-density lipoproteins (LDL): this type of cholesterol is commonly referred to as "bad" cholesterol. An excess of it can lead to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular problems. Normal level: 0-3.3 mmol/l.
• Very low-density lipoproteins (VLDL): it makes sense to check if the previous test revealed significant abnormalities, as they are the most characteristic indicator of the development of pathological changes in the body. An increase in their number in the plasma means atherosclerosis is present. Normal level: 0-0.78 mmol/l.
• High-density lipoproteins (HDL): this is known as the "good" cholesterol because it helps remove LDL from the arteries. Normal level: 1.03-2.59 mmol/l.
• Total cholesterol: this is the sum of all types of cholesterol. However, it is not always enough for a complete picture, since it is fundamentally important to understand the exact proportion of "bad" cholesterol compared to "good" cholesterol in the blood. Normal level: 3.23-5.15 mmol/l.
• Triglycerides: this is another type of fat in the blood, high levels of which can also contribute to heart disease. Normal level: 0-1.7 mmol/l.

Avoiding errors on the day of the test

To get reliable results, the test should be taken on an empty stomach. On the eve of the test, it is recommended to refrain from physical and psycho-emotional stress. Avoid smoking, coffee, sweet carbonated drinks, and alcohol in the 12 hours before taking the test. If you take any medications regularly, it is necessary to inform your doctor about it, as some medications can affect the result.

You can use home test strips to monitor your cholesterol levels regularly. But they have a rather large margin of error, so to get the most accurate result, you should still have blood taken in a laboratory.

26 September 2024