Uses, what to expect, results

High cholesterol levels can cause plaque to build up in the blood and blood vessels. Plaque can block or narrow the arteries and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues.

Testing a person’s cholesterol levels is an easy way to check their risk of developing heart disease. If the results show that a person has high cholesterol, a doctor may prescribe medication, recommend lifestyle changes, or both.

This article explains how cholesterol tests work, how often people should get them, and what the results mean. It also discusses the risks of untreated high cholesterol and the treatment options.

A cholesterol test is also called a lipid profile. This blood test measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

This information can help doctors determine whether plaque has built up in a person’s arteries.

A complete cholesterol test measures the following four types of fats in the blood:

• Total cholesterol level: This is the total cholesterol in a person’s blood.
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: People often refer to this type as “bad cholesterol” because it can build up in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Doctors call this “good cholesterol” because it helps keep the arteries clear of LDL cholesterol.
• Triglycerides: These are fats in the bloodstream that give the body energy. If the body does not use these fats, the body stores them. High levels can indicate a risk of heart disease and other health problems.

Risks of untreated high cholesterol

High cholesterol often produces no signs and symptoms, but the health consequences can be severe.

When there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the arteries alongside fat and other substances, forming deposits called plaque. The accumulation of plaque narrows the arteries and reduces and slows the blood flow to the heart. If the blood supply to any part of the heart becomes blocked, a heart attack can occur.

Why is a cholesterol test useful?

A cholesterol test serves as a tool to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.

The test enables a doctor to measure and analyze the levels of fats in the blood. If there is too much cholesterol in the blood, the doctor may recommend treatment to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Who should get one, and how often?

Everyone should get regular cholesterol checks, although the optimal frequency depends on age and certain health risk factors.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends cholesterol testing for most adults every 4–6 years, starting at the age of 20 years. This testing will continue as long as they have a low risk of stroke or heart attack. After the age of 40 years, a doctor will calculate a person’s risk and may suggest more frequent testing.

Some people have an increased risk of developing high cholesterol and may need additional testing. These individuals include:

• people with a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol
• anyone who had high cholesterol levels in a previous test
• people with type 2 diabetes
• individuals with excess body weight
• those with reduced mobility or low physical activity levels
• people whose diet is high in saturated and trans fats
• people who smoke

The risk of high cholesterol increases with age. Up to the age of 55 years, females typically have lower LDL cholesterol levels than males on average, but their levels may increase after menopause.

Children should also undergo cholesterol tests. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend testing a child’s cholesterol levels once at age 9–11 years and again between the ages of 17 and 21 years.

Cholesterol testing generally does not take place during puberty because hormones can alter the results of the test.

A cholesterol test can be fasting or nonfasting.

Most cholesterol tests require fasting, which means that a person should consume no food, drink, or medication for 9–12 hours before the test except water and possibly some other fluids if the doctor recommends them. Due to this requirement, most people choose to have their cholesterol test in the morning.

The doctor will advise the person beforehand if they need to fast. A nonfasting test will only show levels of total cholesterol. It will not show how much cholesterol is LDL or HDL.

During and after

A cholesterol test is a fairly simple procedure. It involves drawing blood from a vein, and the procedure is the same as that of most other blood tests.

Prior to drawing blood, a technician will examine the arm to locate a suitable vein and clean the area with antiseptic. They will then wrap a band around the arm, near where the puncture site will be, to help the vein fill with blood.

The technician will then insert a needle into the vein, and blood will collect in a vial. They will remove the band while the needle is still in place. When there is enough blood in the vial, the technician will remove the needle and hold a cotton swab on the insertion site to stop the bleeding. They may then cover the area with a small bandage.

After the test, there are no special considerations. Most people can continue with their day immediately after the cholesterol test and drive themselves home if necessary. It is possible that the needle insertion site may become infected, but this is extremely unusual, only occurring in very rare cases.

The results of the test will help an individual and their doctor decide whether the use of medication or changes to lifestyle habits may be beneficial.

The results will include several measurements in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dl).

The CDC recommends aiming for the following levels of cholesterol and triglycerides:

Having high cholesterol does not automatically mean that a person will develop heart disease. There are many ways to manage cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease.

A doctor can recommend lifestyle changes and medications to help manage and lower high cholesterol.

Recommended lifestyle changes for high cholesterol include:

• getting regular exercise
• maintaining a moderate weight
• avoiding or quitting smoking
• following a diet that is rich in whole, plant-based foods and limits processed foods and saturated and trans fats
• managing stress, where possible
• aiming for 7–9 hours sleep
• limiting alcohol consumption

Sugars and carbohydrates increase triglyceride levels. Limiting the consumption of sugar and processed carbohydrates while consuming plenty of high fiber foods may help reduce this risk.

A doctor may prescribe medication to help manage cholesterol levels. Options include statins, bile acid sequestrants, PCSK9 inhibitors, and other options specifically for people with a family history of high cholesterol.

Medication will be most effective if a person uses it alongside lifestyle and dietary recommendations for lowering cholesterol. Many people find that combining lifestyle measures with medication helps them manage their cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is a substance that occurs naturally in the blood. Age, some health conditions, and certain lifestyle practices can increase cholesterol levels. If the levels become too high, a person may have an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.

Regular cholesterol tests can help a person understand their risk and, if necessary, take steps to reduce it. Anyone who has concerns about their cholesterol levels should speak with a doctor to arrange a test.

Risks, healthy levels, treatment, and more

VLDL cholesterol stands for very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is a type of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which people sometimes call “bad” cholesterol.

The body needs some VLDL to work properly. However, too much can increase a person’s risk of developing other health conditions, including heart disease.

This article will explain what VLDL is, what it does, and how to keep the levels within a healthy range.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance that the body needs to keep the cells and organs healthy. The liver makes all the cholesterol that the body needs. However, it is also present in many foods, including:

• red meat
• shellfish
• eggs
• dairy products

There are two main types of cholesterol: low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). People often refer to LDL as “bad” cholesterol and HDL as “good” cholesterol.

LDL takes cholesterol and fats to the body’s cells. HDL takes excess cholesterol to the liver for removal from the body, but it can only do so much.

What is VLDL?

VLDL is a type of lipoprotein cholesterol that the liver makes. Specifically, VLDL is a type of LDL cholesterol. However, while VLDL carries triglycerides, a type of fat, to the body’s cells and tissues, LDL carries mainly cholesterol.

If the body has more VLDL than it needs, the surplus circulates in the blood, contributing to the buildup of plaque.

Plaque is a fatty, sticky substance comprising fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials in the blood. Over time, it sticks to the inside of the arteries and then hardens, making them narrower. The term for this process is atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis stops the blood from being able to flow freely around the body. Every cell needs a ready supply of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to survive.

Therefore, high levels of VLDL can contribute to atherosclerosis, which can make a person more susceptible to heart disease or stroke.

Having too many triglycerides, which are the fats that VLDL carries, can also increase a person’s risk of developing non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease.

According to the American Association for Clinical Chemistry (AACC), a normal VLDL level is anything up to 30 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl), which equates to 0. 77 millimoles per liter (mmol/l).

Measurements above this indicate high VLDL levels, which place the person at risk of heart disease and stroke.

Doctors can check VLDL levels as part of a test called a lipid profile. This blood test looks at the fats and the fat-like substances, or lipids, in the blood.

It does not measure VLDL directly. Instead, it looks at the levels of triglycerides in the blood. Most of these triglycerides will be in the VLDL, which carries them to the cells.

The test may report triglyceride values in mg/dl or mmol/l. Healthcare professionals estimate VLDL by dividing the triglyceride value by five, if the measurement is in mg/dl, or by 2.2 if it is in mmol/l.

A lipid profile will also measure:

• total cholesterol
• HDL
• LDL

According to the AACC, it is standard practice to ask people to fast for 9­–12 hours before the test. During this period, they should not eat anything and only drink water. However, doctors may sometimes decide that this is not necessary.

People should also avoid drinking alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say that high cholesterol has no signs or symptoms. Therefore, a person can only find out whether they have high cholesterol by undergoing a lipid profile test.

Many people will be able to lower their bad cholesterol by altering everyday habits. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), doctors might recommend:

A cardiac diet

Adopting a heart healthy diet means avoiding foods that contain saturated and trans fats. These foods include:

• red meat
• full-fat dairy products
• fried food
• processed meat

Instead, people should opt for a diet that includes:

• lots of fruits and vegetables
• whole grains
• low fat or fat-free dairy products
• poultry
• fish
• nuts

Learn more about how to adopt a cardiac diet here.

Exercising

Being physically active increases the amount of HDL, or good cholesterol, in the body. The more HDL the body has, the more effectively it can remove VLDL from the blood.

The AHA say that people should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercise — such as brisk walking, swimming, or cycling — each week, where possible.

Quitting smoking, if applicable

Smoking lowers the levels of good cholesterol in the blood.

It also increases the likelihood of a person developing high blood pressure or diabetes, both of which can lead to heart attack and stroke.

Reaching or maintaining a moderate weight

The AHA state that if someone has overweight or obesity, they are more likely to have high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol.

However, they note that losing just 5–10% of body weight can help a person with overweight or obesity improve their cholesterol levels.

Reaching or maintaining a moderate weight also reduces the risk of other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes.

Taking certain medications

Some people may find that changes to their diet and physical activity levels are not enough to manage their cholesterol levels.

In these cases, doctors may recommend medication. The right approach will be different for everyone. Healthcare professionals will work with the individual to determine which medication or combination of medications is best for them.

Examples of medications that doctors may recommend include:

• Statins: This medication works by stopping the liver from making cholesterol.
• Ezetimibe (Zetia): This medication stops the intestine from absorbing cholesterol from food.
• Bile acid sequestrants: These prompt the intestine to remove more cholesterol than it would otherwise.
• PCSK9 inhibitors: This medication stops a protein that the liver uses to make cholesterol from working properly.
• Fibrates: Fibrates lower the levels of triglyceride in the blood.
• Nicotinic acid: This medication limits the amount of fat that the liver can make.

Doctors may also recommend omega-3 fatty acid supplements, such as cod liver oil. These can help lower triglyceride levels in the blood.

High cholesterol has no symptoms, so people with high VLDL levels will be unaware unless they have a lipid profile test.

Most adults should have a regular medical exam every 4–6 years. Doctors will be able to assess the person’s underlying risk of heart disease by looking at multiple factors. As part of the health evaluation, they will carry out a lipid profile test to check the person’s cholesterol levels.

VLDL is a type of bad cholesterol that can contribute to the risk of heart attack and stroke. Adopting a heart healthy diet, doing more physical activity, refraining from smoking, and maintaining a moderate weight are the best ways to manage cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol does not have any symptoms. The only way that people can be sure of their cholesterol levels is to ask a doctor for a lipid profile test. Most adults should ideally have this test every 4–6 years.

How to lower cholesterol: 9 simple rules

April 26

Likbez

Health

Sometimes it is enough to laugh more often.

Elevated cholesterol is dangerous, it causes problems with the heart and blood vessels. Everyone knows this. The most advanced even know that cholesterol is different – “bad” and “good”. It’s just that not everyone is able to explain what the difference is.

What is cholesterol

In fact, cholesterol is not the enemy at all. This waxy substance is found in every cell of the body and performs many important functions:

1. Is the main raw material for the production of bile acids, with the help of which fats obtained from food are broken down in the intestines.
2. Involved in the production of hormones including testosterone and estrogen.
3. Plays an important role in the synthesis of vitamin D.
4. Strengthens cell walls, including neurons in the brain.

In general, no cholesterol means no health, and there is no life either. Another question is that sometimes cholesterol can be harmful. And not through their own fault.

What is “bad” cholesterol

“Bad” is a conditional designation. Both “good” and “bad” cholesterol are the same substance. Only with nuance.

Cholesterol cannot be found in the blood in its pure form. It moves through the blood vessels exclusively in combination with all kinds of fats, proteins and other auxiliary substances. Such complexes are called lipoproteins. It is they (more precisely, their composition) that determine the attitude to cholesterol.

• “Bad” cholesterol – the one that is part of low-density lipoproteins (LDL or LDL; English LDL). LDL settle on the walls of blood vessels, forming those very ill-fated cholesterol plaques. They disrupt blood circulation and can cause all sorts of cardiovascular problems: heart attacks, strokes, and so on.
• “Good” cholesterol is that which is part of high-density lipoproteins (HDL or HDL; English HDL). It is in this form that cholesterol is sent to tissues and organs, which means that it does not settle on the walls of blood vessels and only benefits the body.

In fact, the fight against cholesterol is as follows: you need to increase the level of “good” cholesterol in the blood and at the same time reduce the level of “bad”. Unless, of course, their values ​​are outside the norm.

What is the norm of cholesterol

There is no general norm for all. It all depends on the age, gender, health status of a particular person.

So, in men, the level of “good” cholesterol should be more than 1 mmol/l, and in women – 1.2 mmol/l.

“Bad” cholesterol is more difficult. If you are not at risk, you need to try to ensure that its level does not exceed 3.5 mmol / l. But if you are predisposed to cardiovascular disease, “bad” cholesterol should not exceed 1.8 mmol / l.

The risk group includes those who:

• Have poor heredity: vascular disorders were diagnosed in close relatives, especially parents.
• Suffering from hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Has type 2 diabetes.
• Smokes.
• Is overweight.
• Leads a sedentary lifestyle.
• Eats foods high in saturated fat. There are studies that prove that saturated fats in terms of cholesterol are not as bad as previously thought. However, a diet that focuses on butter, lard and other fats still automatically puts you at risk.

Cholesterol is desirable to control throughout life by taking the appropriate blood test at least once every 5 years. But men aged 45-65 and women aged 55-65 should be especially biased: if you fall into these categories, you should do tests at least once every 1-2 years.

How to lower cholesterol at home

As a rule, doctors prescribe special drugs to lower cholesterol levels that inhibit the synthesis of this substance in the liver.

About 80% of cholesterol (about 1 g per day) is produced by the body, in particular by the liver. The rest we get from food.

But often you can do without pills – it is enough to slightly reconsider the way of life. Here are 9 simple rules that will help you control cholesterol – reduce the “bad” and increase the “good”. Consult with your therapist and implement.

1. Eat less trans fats

No chips, hamburgers, other fast food, and store-bought baked goods, including cakes and pastries. These foods contain trans fats, which raise bad cholesterol levels and lower good cholesterol levels.

2. Get rid of excess weight

No need to strive for the parameters of a supermodel. It is enough to lose 4.5 kg for LDL-cholesterol levels to drop by 8%. And, of course, continue to lose weight until your tests show the norm.

3. Move more

Exercising just 2.5 hours a week (for example, walking for half an hour every weekday) is enough to increase “good” cholesterol and reduce “bad”.

4. Give preference to vegetables, fruits and cereals

Especially those that contain a lot of fiber (coarse dietary fiber). These are oatmeal, apples, prunes, beans . .. Among other things, fiber will allow you to feel full longer, which means getting rid of excess weight.

5. Eat nuts

Any: walnuts, hazelnuts, cashews. All types of nuts contain substances that help lower the level of “bad” cholesterol. The only disadvantage of such a diet is that it is very high in calories.

6. Learn to relax

The higher the stress, the higher the level of “bad” cholesterol.

7. Add some spices

Eating half a clove of garlic every day is enough to reduce “bad” cholesterol by 9% pretty quickly. Also, do not forget to season the dishes with black pepper, turmeric, ginger, coriander and cinnamon.

8. Quit smoking

Quitting smoking increases your “good” cholesterol by 5%.

9. Laugh more often

This is the very case when laughter can be a medicine. Like quitting smoking, it raises your “good” cholesterol while lowering your “bad” cholesterol.

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  Description

  Method of determination
  Friedwald calculation using total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. At a triglyceride level of more than 4.5 mmol / l – measurement by a direct method (colorimetry using cholesterol oxidase and cholesterol esterase).

  Test material
  Blood serum

  Synonyms : LDL; Low density lipoproteins; LDL; LDL cholesterol; Low density lipoprotein cholesterol; Cholesterol beta-lipoproteins; Beta lipoproteins; Beta LP.

  LDL; LDL-C; Low density lipoprotein cholesterol; Low density lipoprotein.

  Brief characteristics of the analyte

  Cholesterol-LDL Lipoproteins in the blood carry out the transport of lipids of various classes, including cholesterol, from one cell population to another. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) are the main transport form of cholesterol, transporting it mainly in the form of cholesterol esters. They belong to beta lipoproteins. It has been proven that the content of LDL cholesterol is more correlated with the risk of atherosclerosis than the level of total cholesterol, since it is this fraction that ensures the transfer of both dietary and synthesized cholesterol to the cells of organs and tissues. In pathology, cholesterol-rich LDL accumulates on the inner walls of the arteries at the sites of formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which narrow the lumen of the vessels and contribute to thrombosis. Therefore, the study of LDL cholesterol is important, both for assessing the risk of atherosclerosis and its complications (heart attack, stroke), and for monitoring the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy.

  Usually, a standard lipid profile is used in screening for cardiovascular risk factors, which includes the study of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL cholesterol by calculation using the Friedwald formula. This calculation method for estimating LDL cholesterol has been used in epidemiological and clinical studies, on the basis of which basic clinical recommendations have been established for the desired level of LDL cholesterol for apparently healthy people and its target therapeutic values ​​for people at high risk of developing complications of atherosclerosis. The calculation method for assessing LDL cholesterol remains the most common.

  Calculation of LDL cholesterol has some limitations. The Friedwald formula assumes, as an assumption, a constant ratio of triglycerides and cholesterol in very low density lipoproteins and the absence of an excess of remnant (residual) lipoproteins. In hypertriglyceridemia and chylomicronemia, these assumptions are violated, the use of the Friedwald formula at a high level of triglycerides leads to an underestimation of the calculated result of LDL cholesterol.

  What is the purpose of determining the level of LDL cholesterol in the blood

  The determination of LDL cholesterol in blood serum is used in combination with other lipid profile tests to assess cardiac risk (reflects the content of “bad cholesterol”). Increased levels are associated with a greater risk of atherosclerosis. When triglyceride concentrations are greater than 4.5 mmol/l and LDL cholesterol is low (less than 1.3 mmol/l), non-HDL cholesterol should be preferred to evaluate cardiac risk and the effectiveness of lipid-lowering therapy.

  Attention! This study is not performed separately, only in combination with tests No. 30 Triglycerides, No. 31 Total cholesterol, No. 32 HDL cholesterol.

  More details about the laboratory assessment of lipid metabolism parameters can be found here.

  Preparation

  Rules for preparing for LDL-cholesterol blood test

  Strictly on an empty stomach, after an overnight fasting period of 8 to 14 hours. On the eve of the study, it is necessary to exclude increased psycho-emotional and physical activity (sports training), alcohol intake.

  Indications for prescription

  In what cases is a blood test for LDL-C

  • Assessment of the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and their complications according to the modified SCORE scale;
  • Atherosclerosis risk assessment;
  • Detection of dyslipidemias.

  Interpretation of results

  Interpretation of test results contains information for the attending physician and is not a diagnosis. The information in this section should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. An accurate diagnosis is made by the doctor, using both the results of this examination and the necessary information from other sources: history, results of other examinations, etc.

  Interpretation of the results of determining the level of cholesterol-LDL in blood serum

  Units of measurement : mmol/l.
  
  Alternate units : mg/dl.
  
  Unit conversion : mg/dL x 0.0259 ==> mmol/L.

  Reference values ​​
  

  Currently, the clinical guidelines of European and domestic medical communities consider LDL cholesterol as the main modifiable risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases and their complications (heart attack, stroke), regardless of gender and the presence of an established diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. With ongoing lipid-lowering therapy, lowering LDL cholesterol is considered as the primary goal of prevention.
  
  A decrease in its level in the blood is accompanied by a decrease in the risk of death from cardiovascular diseases. The choice of the target value of LDL depends on the degree of individual risk, which is assessed by the attending physician based on the totality of data.

  Adults

  According to current clinical guidelines, the desired values ​​of LDL cholesterol, depending on the individual risk group for developing cardiovascular diseases and their complications, to which the patient is assigned, are as follows:

  • for low- and moderate-risk individuals – desirable LDL-cholesterol values
  • for high risk individuals – desired LDL cholesterol values
  • for very high risk individuals – desired LDL cholesterol values

  Children and adolescents

  Reference values ​​(population dispersion) of LDL cholesterol concentration, mmol/l:

  9074 6

  Age	Men	Women
  5 – 10 years	1. 63 – 3.34	1.76 – 3.63 9 0712
  10 – 15 years	1.66 – 3 ,44	1.76 – 3.52
  15 – 18 years old	1.61 – 3.37	1.53 – 3.55

  Data on population dispersion of LDL-cholesterol values ​​in adults – see here.

  Boost

  1. Primary hereditary hypercholesterolemia (hyperlipoproteinemia types IA and IIB types), rare hereditary fermentopathy (deficiency of acid lysosomal lipase).
  2. Obesity.
  3. Obstructive jaundice.
  4. Nephrotic syndrome, chronic renal failure.
  5. Diabetes mellitus.
  6. Hypothyroidism.
  7. Cushing’s syndrome.
  8. Cholesterol-rich diet.
  9. Pregnancy.
  10. Anorexia nervosa.
  11. Taking medications (beta-blockers, diuretics, progestins, oral contraceptives, glucocorticoids, androgens).

  Decreased values ​​

  1. Hypo- and a-beta-lipoproteinemia.
  2. Alpha-lipoprotein deficiency (Tangier’s disease).
  3. Deficiency of LCAT (lecithin-cholesterol-acyl synetatase).
  4. Hyperthyroidism.
  5. Reye’s syndrome.
  6. Chronic anemia.
  7. Acute stress.
  8. Taking medications: cholestyramine, clofibrate, lovastatin, neomycin, interferon, thyroxine, estrogens.
  9. Diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids.
  10. Malabsorption syndrome.
  11. Arthritis.
  12. Chronic lung diseases.
  13. Myeloma.

  Questions

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  In this section you can find out how much it costs to complete this study in your city, read the description of the test and the table for interpreting the results. When choosing where to take the analysis “Cholesterol-LDL (Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL, Cholesterol LDL)” in Zheleznogorsk and other cities of Russia, do not forget that the price of the analysis, the cost of the procedure for taking biomaterial, methods and terms for performing studies in regional medical offices may differ.