Cholesterol Test- Things You Have to Know About

With the ever-growing pollution and the fast and unhealthy lifestyle that we lead, a problem like high cholesterol and high triglycerides have become common household names. Earlier these diseases were associated with old age but now there are no age demarcations for these diseases. Now cholesterol and triglycerides are not diseases in themselves, they are common components of the human body, but when their levels increase, they create complications in the normal functioning of the body. High levels of cholesterol might also be an indication of some underlying diseases. Therefore, a Cholesterol test is very essential irrespective of any age group.

Cholesterol Test

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in the cells of our body. Cholesterol is a natural component of the body which is essential for making hormones and vitamins in the body. It is also needed to digest food. We can also obtain extra cholesterol from food items such as egg yolks, any kind of meat and cheesy products. The normal cholesterol levels are 200 milligrams per deciliter(mg/dl) for adults. If the cholesterol levels in the body increase beyond normal levels it can lead to clogged arteries leading to coronary diseases. It can also lead to stroke and heart attack. Therefore, a Cholesterol test is very important to rule out any chances of a heart attack or stroke.

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What does Cholesterol test measure?

• A cholesterol test measures LDL or bad cholesterol, the increase in which can lead to coronary diseases.
• A Cholesterol test measures HDL or good cholesterol, an increase in which can lower bad cholesterols.
• It also measures the total amount of LDL and HDL in the body. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein and HDL stands for high-density lipoprotein.
• A cholesterol test also measures VLDL or very-low-density lipoprotein. VLDL might lead to the accumulation of plaque in the arteries leading to coronary diseases like heart attack and stroke.
• Triglycerides which is also a kind of fat found in the body is measured through the Cholesterol test.

Cholesterol Test

When to go for a cholesterol test?

You should go for a Cholesterol test under the following circumstances:

• When you have a family history of heart attack and stroke.
• When you are addicted to smoking.
• When you are obese.
• When you do not exercise regularly.
• If you are a patient of high pressure.
• If you are a patient of type 2 diabetes.
• If you often indulge in fatty and carbohydrate rich food.
• If you have an inactive life.

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Symptoms of high cholesterol:

High cholesterol as such has no symptoms which will trigger you to go for a cholesterol test, but you may grow xanthomas(yellowish growths) especially around your eyes. These yellowish growths on the skin are a symptom of high levels of LDL or VLDL in your blood. Moreover, you may also experience angina or chest pain which is a symptom indicating that high levels of LDL gas caused plaque to accumulate in your blood vessels. 

High Cholesterol

How to lower levels of cholesterol?

• You should cut down on fatty foods like meat and cheese and concentrate more on fresh fruits and vegetables.
• You should concentrate on plant protein such as tofu and soy more than animal proteins such as milk, meat and eggs.
• You should cut down on refined food items such as sweets, beverages and white flower.
• Start exercising and lead an active life. Stress and unhealthy lifestyle also cause high cholesterol. Smile more and spend time with your loved ones.
• Over the counter medicines like statins may be prescribed by the doctor.
• Sedentary liftestyle is one of the most important reasons for the increase in your cholesterol level. Make sure to walk in regular intervals while you are in your office. Use a tracker and keep a goal of 5000 or more steps to take in a day. Take steps instead of life and you can do so many other such things to keep a check on your cholesterol levels.