Cholesterol is a necessary substance to keep your body working. This may come as a surprise, as all the literature out there seems to indicate that cholesterol isn't good. There are 2 kinds of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, which are better known as bad cholesterol.
Cholesterol testing will help decide whether you have enough good cholesterol, too much bad cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream, or the presence of triglyceride levels which can cause blockages in the arteries. Cholesterol testing is an easy blood test and will help you get a better picture of your health, and what you can do to be better.
Who Should Have a Cholesterol Test?
Cholesterol testing should be done every 5 years. You don't need to be middle aged to take a cholesterol test. In fact it's advisable to take one when you reach the age of twenty. Waiting until your forties might be too late. The sooner you have a good idea about your risks for heart disease the better.
Preparing for the Test
To prepare for cholesterol testing, you should fast for fourteen hours before the test. This means no drink or food, with the exception of water, prior to taking the test. You shouldn't drink alcohol for forty-eight hours before the test as well. Even though test can be carried out without a fast, you can only use the results for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. It's recommended that you do abstain from food so that you get a more accurate picture.
The Procedure
Cholesterol testing requires a blood sample and blood will be drawn the same manner any other blood test is carried out. The actual procedure only requires a few minutes and does not hurt much. You may feel minor discomfort when the needle used to draw blood is put into your vein.
After the blood test you can begin eating again as you could normally do. If you were asked to quit taking any medications and then your doctor will aid you when you can resume taking said medication. After the test, your doctor sends the blood sample for analysis and determines the likelihood which you may develop heart disease.
Other factors such as family history, age, lifestyle and prior heart attacks will be taken into consideration when determining your risk of developing heart disease. If you have less than desirable levels of cholesterol and then your doctor can help you on the next step.
Cholesterol testing will help decide whether you have enough good cholesterol, too much bad cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream, or the presence of triglyceride levels which can cause blockages in the arteries. Cholesterol testing is an easy blood test and will help you get a better picture of your health, and what you can do to be better.
Who Should Have a Cholesterol Test?
Cholesterol testing should be done every 5 years. You don't need to be middle aged to take a cholesterol test. In fact it's advisable to take one when you reach the age of twenty. Waiting until your forties might be too late. The sooner you have a good idea about your risks for heart disease the better.
Preparing for the Test
To prepare for cholesterol testing, you should fast for fourteen hours before the test. This means no drink or food, with the exception of water, prior to taking the test. You shouldn't drink alcohol for forty-eight hours before the test as well. Even though test can be carried out without a fast, you can only use the results for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. It's recommended that you do abstain from food so that you get a more accurate picture.
The Procedure
Cholesterol testing requires a blood sample and blood will be drawn the same manner any other blood test is carried out. The actual procedure only requires a few minutes and does not hurt much. You may feel minor discomfort when the needle used to draw blood is put into your vein.
After the blood test you can begin eating again as you could normally do. If you were asked to quit taking any medications and then your doctor will aid you when you can resume taking said medication. After the test, your doctor sends the blood sample for analysis and determines the likelihood which you may develop heart disease.
Other factors such as family history, age, lifestyle and prior heart attacks will be taken into consideration when determining your risk of developing heart disease. If you have less than desirable levels of cholesterol and then your doctor can help you on the next step.
About the Author:
Go to medical lab when you want to test your cholesterol. There, you will find medical lab equipment that can help you to test your cholesterol. Besides, if you also need medical treatment that needs anesthesia, anesthesia machine is recommended to use.
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