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What is cholesterol test?
Any acute illness can raise or lower your total cholesterol number. If you have had an acute illness in the 3 months before having this test, you should have this test repeated in 2 or 3 months. Even a flare-up of arthritis can affect your cholesterol level.
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Also known as lipid panel
cholesterol test information from trusted sources:
Cholesterol test
A complete cholesterol test also called a lipid panel or lipid profile is a group of blood tests that can measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A cholesterol test can help determine your risk of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaques in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body. If your cholesterol levels are high, you probably won't have any signs or symptoms, so a cholesterol test is an important tool. High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease. Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Cholesterol test
A total cholesterol test is a rough measure of all the cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. Cholesterol is a soft, wax-like substance found in all parts of the body. Your body needs a little bit of cholesterol to work properly. But too much cholesterol can clog your arteries and lead to heart disease. Some cholesterol is considered "good" and some is considered "bad." Different blood tests are needed to individually measure each type of cholesterol. See also: HDL test ("good" cholesterol) LDL test ("bad" cholesterol) Lipid profile High blood cholesterol and triglycerides Read more on
www.nlm.nih.gov
Cholesterol Tests
What is cholesterol Cholesterol is a waxy, fatlike substance that is naturally present in cell walls or membranes everywhere in the body. Your body uses cholesterol to produce many hormones, vitamin D, and the bile acids that help to digest fat. If you have too much cholesterol in your bloodstream, the excess may be deposited in the arteries of the heart, which could lead to heart disease. Read more on
www.emedicinehealth.com
Lipid Panel
The lipid profile is a group of tests that are often ordered together to determine risk of coronary heart disease. They are tests that have been shown to be good indicators of whether someone is likely to have a heart attack or stroke caused by blockage of blood vessels or hardening of the arteries (atherosclerois). The lipid profile typically includes: Read more on
www.labtestsonline.org
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in the body that is used for many different purposes. It is manufactured by the body and also found in animal products, such as red meat and dairy products. Read more on
www.pdrhealth.com
Cholesterol, High
High cholesterol is not a disease in itself, but increases your risk of serious conditions such as... Read more on
www.nhs.uk
Cholesterol Test Interpretation
Once you have had your blood drawn for your cholesterol test, it will be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Your blood test results will have five numbers ... Read more on
cholesterol.about.com
Cholesterol IQ Quiz
Jan 25, 2011 ... Take this simple quiz. Test your knowledge of cholesterol. ... Symptoms, Diagnosis & Monitoring of High Cholesterol ... Read more on
www.heart.org
Cholesterol and Triglycerides Blood Test Types
Aug 13, 2009 ... Cholesterol and triglyceride tests are blood tests that measure the total amount of fatty substances (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the ... Read more on
www.webmd.com
Cholesterol - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
It is recommended to test cholesterol at least every 5 years if a person has total cholesterol of 200 mg/dL or more, or if a man over age 45 or a woman over ... Read more on
en.wikipedia.org
Contents
How the Test is Performed
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
How the Test Will Feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
How to Prepare for the Test
To get accurate results, you should not eat or drink anything for 9 to 12 hours before the test. You may drink water, but other beverages such as coffee, tea, or soda should be avoided.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
How you prepare
You should fast (no food or liquids other than water) for nine to 12 hours before the test. You can drink water in the time leading up to the test, but avoid coffee, tea and other beverages.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Indications
This test is often done to determine your risk for coronary artery disease. High blood cholesterol and triglycerides have been linked to heart attack and stroke.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Normal Results
Total cholesterol is an important measure of both bad and good cholesterol. Other lab tests are done to measure specific amounts of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol. A cholesterol breakdown including LDL and HDL is preferred.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
Results
In the United States, cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. In Canada and many European countries, cholesterol levels are measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L). To interpret your test results, use these general guidelines.
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www.mayoclinic.com
Risks
Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
What Abnormal Results Mean
In general, a total cholesterol value over 200 mg/dL may mean you have a greater risk for heart disease. However, LDL levels are a better predictor of heart disease, and they determine how your high cholesterol should be treated.
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www.nlm.nih.gov
What you can expect
During the procedure A cholesterol test is a blood test, usually done in the morning since you'll need to fast for the most accurate results. Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from your arm. Before the needle is inserted, the puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic and an elastic band is wrapped around your upper arm. This causes the veins in your arm to fill with blood.
Read more on
www.mayoclinic.com
Why it's done
Cholesterol and triglycerides are substances that naturally circulate in your blood. Although these substances are necessary for your body to function normally, too much fat in your blood increases your risk of heart disease, a stroke, or narrowed arteries in your arms or legs (peripheral artery disease).
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www.mayoclinic.com