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What are normal blood cholesterol counts?
(December 23, 2009)
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Blood Cholesterol Test
Cholesterol happens to be one of the most essential ingredients of the body and is produced in the liver. About 20 to 30% of the cholesterol in our bodies, however, comes from the food we consume and is measured in milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood. The medical society states that the normal levels of cholesterol vary between 150 to 200 milligrams per 100 milliliters of blood. Cholesterol in the blood is actually a combination of certain fats that are known as lipoproteins. The two varieties of lipoproteins are low density lipoproteins (LDL’s) and high density lipoproteins (HDL). The low density lipoproteins are considered to be harmful and are linked to the cholesterol deposits in the blood vessels. This contributes significantly to the development of diseases such as strokes and heart diseases. The high density lipoproteins are usually involved with the removal of cholesterol from circulation and reduction in the risk of heart disease. It is when the ratio between the LDL’s and the overall cholesterol becomes high that the individual is at an increased risk of arterial damage and heart disease.
A blood cholesterol test should be performed every five years as part of a regular health checkup, especially if the person is above the age of 20. If the person is following a special diet focused on controlling the cholesterol levels, he or she may want to check with their doctor to ascertain the frequency at which the test should be taken.
Procedure to Conduct Blood Cholesterol Test
A blood cholesterol test is performed by pricking the patient’s finger with the help of a lancet in order to extract a drop of blood. The drop is then placed on a piece of paper that contains special chemicals that will change in color depending on the level of cholesterol present in the blood.
Preparation for Blood Cholesterol Test
Before undergoing a cholesterol test, the patient must be made to fast for a period of at least 9 to 12 hours so as to prevent any temporary changes in the cholesterol levels that take place after consuming some food. If you are under any medication, prescription or non prescription, you need to inform your doctor of the same as some types of medication are known to interfere with the results of the test. The cholesterol levels should ideally be measured when the patient is feeling healthy as, during a period of severe illness, the cholesterol levels tend to be significantly lower.
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Submitted by M T on December 23, 2009 at 02:41
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