Cholesterol is a necessary substance to keep your body working. This may come as a surprise, as all the literature out there seems to show that cholesterol isn't good. There are 2 types 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 existence 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 healthier.
Who Should Get a Cholesterol Test?
Cholesterol testing needs to be carried out every five years. You do not have to be middle aged to take a cholesterol test. Actually it's better to take one when you get to 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.
Getting Ready for the Test
To prepare for cholesterol testing, you need to fast for fourteen hours before the test. It means no drink or food, with the exception of water, before you take the test. You shouldn't consume alcohol for forty-eight hours before the test as well. Even though test can be done without a fast, you can only use the results for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. It is 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 specific procedure only takes a few minutes and doesn't hurt much. You might feel minor discomfort when the needle used to draw blood is put into your vein.
After the blood test you can start eating again as you would normally do. If you were asked to quit taking any medications and then your doctor will assist you when you can resume taking said medication. After the test, your doctor will send the blood sample for analysis and determines the likelihood which you might develop heart disease.
Other factors such as family history, age, lifestyle and prior heart attacks will be considered when deciding your risk of developing heart disease. If you have less than desirable cholesterol levels and then your doctor can advise 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 existence 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 healthier.
Who Should Get a Cholesterol Test?
Cholesterol testing needs to be carried out every five years. You do not have to be middle aged to take a cholesterol test. Actually it's better to take one when you get to 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.
Getting Ready for the Test
To prepare for cholesterol testing, you need to fast for fourteen hours before the test. It means no drink or food, with the exception of water, before you take the test. You shouldn't consume alcohol for forty-eight hours before the test as well. Even though test can be done without a fast, you can only use the results for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. It is 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 specific procedure only takes a few minutes and doesn't hurt much. You might feel minor discomfort when the needle used to draw blood is put into your vein.
After the blood test you can start eating again as you would normally do. If you were asked to quit taking any medications and then your doctor will assist you when you can resume taking said medication. After the test, your doctor will send the blood sample for analysis and determines the likelihood which you might develop heart disease.
Other factors such as family history, age, lifestyle and prior heart attacks will be considered when deciding your risk of developing heart disease. If you have less than desirable cholesterol levels and then your doctor can advise you on the next step.
About the Author:
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