Cholesterol is an essential component of our body that helps to build healthy cells. However, the cholesterol needs to be in control. Higher cholesterol levels will increase heart disease risk, chronic kidney disease, Diabetes, Hypothyroidism, Lupus, and other disorders. When the cholesterol level increases in the body, fats develop in the blood vessels. Further, these fat deposits will grow, which will make it difficult for proper blood to flow into your arteries.
You never know when the cholesterol levels will increase in your body. Hence, it is necessary to undergo a cholesterol test periodically. At Agilus Diagnostics, we have HDL Cholesterol test, Cholesterol and Serum test package, Direct LDL Cholesterol and Serum test, and Lipid Profile – Non Fasting and Serum test. You can book the tests online and collect your samples.
In this blog, you will get a deep insight into cholesterol levels and understand everything about it.
Overview of Cholesterol And Its Types
Cholesterol is a waxy and fatty substance found in the body's cells. Cholesterol is secreted in the liver. However, it is even found in foods like meat and dairy products. Keep in mind that the body needs only the necessary amount of cholesterol to function. But, when the cholesterol level is higher in your blood, it can lead to a great risk of coronary artery disease.
Based on lipoprotein, there are two different types of cholesterol;
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): LDL is known as the bad cholesterol. The cholesterol particles will be transported in your body. LDL usually builds up on the walls of the arteries, which makes it narrow and hard.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL): HDL is known as the good cholesterol. It will pick up an excess amount of cholesterol and then it takes it back to the liver.
How to Measure Cholesterol Levels
To check the cholesterol level, we conduct a blood test to know the lipoprotein panel and measure the cholesterol levels. We will conduct tests for low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein. Here are the information you will get after the test:
Total cholesterol – The test shows the measure of the total amount of cholesterol level in your blood. It will show a range of low HDL cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels.
LDL cholesterol – It is the major source of cholesterol buildup that leads to artery blockage. The normal range for adults is less than 100 mg/dL.
HDL cholesterol – HDL removes cholesterol from the arteries. The test will let you know its level.
Non-HDL – It is the total cholesterol minus the HDL. It includes LDL and other types like VLDL (very low-density lipoprotein).
Triglycerides – It is another fat deposit in your blood that will raise the heart disease risk in women
Causes Behind High Cholesterol Levels and Its Symptoms
Certain risk factors will increase the risk of unhealthy cholesterol levels in your blood. Let’s check out the potential risk factors;
- Poor Diet – When you eat too much trans fats or saturated fats, it leads to unhealthy cholesterol levels. A higher intake of meat and full-fat dairy products will increase saturated fats. Also, the intake of packaged desserts and snacks leads to an increase in trans fats.
- Lack of Exercise – Exercise will boost the level of High-density lipoprotein in your body, which is the “good” cholesterol.
- Obesity – When your body mass index (BMI) is 30 or above, it will put you at risk of high cholesterol levels in your blood.
- Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption will increase your total cholesterol level in your body.
- Smoking – Smoking cigarettes will increase the level of High-density lipoprotein.
- Age – Young children usually have unhealthy cholesterol, but it is common in people over age 40. As you age, the liver becomes less capable of removing LDL cholesterol.
Usually, high cholesterol does not have noticeable symptoms. However, if you do not do a test periodically and leave it untreated, it may lead to heart attack and stroke. High cholesterol is considered a hidden risk factor that will occur in your body and lead to complications without letting us know until it becomes worse.
Also Read: Methods for Lowering Cholesterol Levels
Complications Due To High Cholesterol Level
High cholesterol levels will increase the accumulation of cholesterol and other fat deposits on the atherosclerosis of artery walls. Further, it will reduce blood flow in your arteries which will lead to complications.
- Heart attack – When the plaques rupture, they will form a blood clot at the site. This will block the blood flow and plug an artery downstream. When the blood flow stops at any part of your heart, the risk of heart attack will increase.
- Chest Pain – When the arteries get affected and the blood supply to the heart is affected, you will experience chest pain. You will also notice potential symptoms of coronary artery disease.
- Heart Stroke – A heart stroke will occur due to the formation of a blood clot that will stop the blood flow to any part of your brain.
How Often A Cholesterol Test Must Be Done?
When you must do your cholesterol test depends on your age, family history, and risk factors. However, here are the general recommendations:
For people under 19 age group:
- The first cholesterol blood test should be done between the ages of 9 to 11.
- Children must do the test every five years.
- Some children may need a test at age 2 in case of a family history of high blood cholesterol or complications such as heart attack or stroke.
For people age 20 or above:
- Younger adults must do the normal serum cholesterol level test every five years.
- Men who are under the age group 45 to 65 and women who are under 55 to 65 need to do the test every 1 to 2 years.
Final Thoughts
Having a frequent check on your cholesterol level is very important. You never know when the hidden complications are going to rise and lead to life-threatening situations. Also, make sure to adopt a healthy lifestyle if you have a family history of high cholesterol levels. To know the cholesterol level in your blood, book your test at our nearest diagnostic centre.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
