Cholesterol test: It's that easy and where you can do it

Cholesterol is an important building block in our body. It is a fatty substance that is required for the construction of cell membranes and hormones. However, if there is too much cholesterol in the body, it can lead to health problems. A cholesterol test is a simple way to tell if your cholesterol is at a healthy level. In this article you will learn how easy it is to have a cholesterol test and where you can have it done.

What is a cholesterol test?

A cholesterol test is a medical test that measures the level of cholesterol in the blood. The test result tells you how much "good" and "bad" cholesterol is in your body. High levels of "bad" cholesterol can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.

How does a cholesterol test work?

A cholesterol test is usually done with a blood sample. A doctor takes a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. This blood is then tested for cholesterol .

Where can you get a cholesterol test done?

A cholesterol test can be done by your GP or in a laboratory. There are also cholesterol tests that you can do yourself at home. In these tests, a small drop of blood is taken from your finger.

How do I prepare for a cholesterol test?

In general, you do not need to prepare specifically for a cholesterol test. However, it is important that you are fasting during the test, meaning that you have not eaten before the test. Your doctor will give you more specific instructions when you make an appointment for a cholesterol test.

What does the cholesterol test result mean?

The result of a cholesterol test can be expressed in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). The following values are considered normal

Total cholesterol: below 200 mg/dL (5.2 mmol/L)
LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol ): below 100 mg/dL (2.6 mmol/L)
HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol ): more than 40 mg/dL (1.0 mmol/L) in men and more than 50 mg/dL (1.3 mmol/L) in women.

If your values are outside the normal range, this can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Your doctor will provide you with more information and may recommend additional tests.

conclusion

A cholesterol test is an easy way to determine if your cholesterol levels are within a healthy range. The test can be done by your GP or in a lab, and there are also tests you can do yourself at home. If your results are outside the normal range, it may indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It's important to get your cholesterol tested regularly to keep an eye on your health.