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Cholesterol
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According to the medical guidelines, a healthy person should maintain a total reading of maximum 240 mg/dl though the optimal number is 200 mg/dl. LDL, low-density lipoproteins, is the bad (l for lousy) cholesterol and HDL, high-density lipoproteins is the good (h for happy) cholesterol. Further, fibrates can intensify the action of medicines that work by thinning the blood (prescribed mostly for high blood pressure). The build up of this type of cholesterol in the body causes hardening of the arteries, which increases the possibility of heart attack and other heart-related complications. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is used by the body to make hormones, cell membranes as well as other tissues.
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The first effective way to combat it is through adherence to a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and one that is high in fiber. Eating foods that are low in saturated and trans fats is important, as well as limiting foods that contain a lot of cholesterol. Cholesterol in the blood exists in three forms: high density lipoprotein, low density lipoprotein, and triglycerides.
A cholesterol test is an important laboratory examination that tests a blood sample and provides a measurement of the patient's cholesterol level. It is recommended that individuals over the age of 20 years old receive a cholesterol test every five years. As a patient grows older the frequency of testing may increase.
In understanding more about a cholesterol test, it is important to know what a cholesterol test is, what the test results mean and methods of treatment.
What Is A Cholesterol Test?
A cholesterol test is known as a lipid profile and generally measures the HDL and LDL cholesterol levels as well as the triglycerides. The test is conducted on the blood sample that is drawn by laboratory personnel through a doctor's order.
The test is fairly painless with the only possibility of discomfort due to the insertion of a needle into the patients arm. The opposite end of the needle is inserted into a blood collection tube and the cholesterol test is performed on the blood sample.
In addition, the patient is asked to fast prior to the exam. This simply means that the patient should not eat any food 12 hours before the blood sample is to be collected.
What The Results Mean?
When the lab results come back from the medical laboratory there will be two figures that the doctor will be especially interested in. Those numbers will correspond to HDL and LDL cholesterol levels.
A good LDL cholesterol level should fall in the range of 200 mg or less. This is an optimal level and indicates that the patient is at a lower risk for coronary heart disease. If the LDL cholesterol level ranges from 200 to 239 mg this is considered as borderline. Unfortunately, if the LDL level is 240 mg or higher this indicates a high blood cholesterol level and puts the person at great risk for coronary heart disease.
In regards to the HDL level of cholesterol, less is not better. This means that for a man who has an HDL cholesterol level of 40 mg or less puts that individual at a greater risk for heart disease. This level for women corresponds to a level of 50 mg or less. An optimal HDL level reflected on the cholesterol test should be in the range of 60 mg. or above.
Treatment
There are three basic treatments that a doctor can take in regards to abnormal cholesterol test results. Those three responses can include ordering a low-fat diet, suggesting an exercise regimen and medication.
Often, when a cholesterol test indicates that the HDL and LDL levels of cholesterol are abnormal, the easiest treatment method of normalizing those levels of cholesterol is through diet. Often a doctor will prescribe a low-fat diet which means that the patient will need to eat less animal products. This diet will limit their use of eggs, cheeses, cream cheese, butter, etc. In addition the patients intake of red meat and lamb should be limited as well. It is also important that the patient does not eat large amounts of processed food which can contain high levels of saturated fatty foods.
In addition, another treatment method of normalizing cholesterol levels is through exercise. This exercise should be in the form of a highly stimulating cardiovascular exercise routine.
Finally, the doctor may be forced to prescribe medications. These medications can help to reduce or absorb high levels of cholesterol within the blood stream.