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Things You Need to Know about Cholesterol Tests

Cholesterol test is an examination carried out to measure the level of fat in the blood. For people with a history of high cholesterol, cholesterol tests need to be done regularly. Cholesterol levels in the blood that are not controlled can trigger the emergence of various 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 according to doctor's recommendations.

What Does the Cholesterol Test Measure?

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 remove bad cholesterol from the blood, and prevents fat from accumulating in blood vessels. The ideal HDL level is 40 mg / dL. If the HDL level is too low, the risk of heart disease will increase.

2. Bad cholesterol (low density lipoprotein / LDL)

In contrast to HDL, bad cholesterol or LDL can actually cause fat accumulation in blood vessels. The body's tolerance for bad cholesterol is 100-129 mg / dL. If you exceed these limits, you are more at risk of developing atherosclerosis and heart disease.

3. Triglycerides

Just like LDL, triglyceride levels that are too high in the blood can also increase your risk of heart disease. Triglyceride levels are considered high, if more than 150 mg / dL.

4. Total cholesterol

Total cholesterol is the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, namely HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. Total normal cholesterol level is less than 200 mg / dL.

Cholesterol Test Procedure Performed

Cholesterol tests are done on your blood sample. The doctor will advise you to fast from the night before the examination, which is 9-12 hours before the blood draw. A blood sample will be taken the next morning, then your cholesterol level 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 tests are advised to begin at the age of 20 years. Especially for those of you who smoke, are obese, and have a family history of high cholesterol. But if you don't smoke and don't 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 recommendation. Regular cholesterol tests as directed by your doctor can help you control your cholesterol levels in the blood. To keep cholesterol levels under control, you are advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle, from reducing fatty foods, stopping smoking, avoiding alcoholic beverages, and exercising regularly. If your cholesterol test results indicate your cholesterol level is not normal, consult your doctor further to get the right treatment, either in the form of lifestyle improvements or medications that are prescribed.

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