People
know they have to test. People get results and get alarmed and then the test
gets filed and the alarm bells fade away till next years blood test. So what should
you do? From a Cholesterol point of view, let me break it down for you.
First
Ask;
How much
cholesterol you have floating around in your blood—and what types—can help you
figure out your risk for heart disease?
Is it
important to get your cholesterol tested periodically?
How
often you should get tested depends on your risk for heart disease?
Are you
at low risk for heart disease? Then you need a test every five years. If you're
at higher risk, you'll need a test every two years. Ask your doctor which group
you fall into.
The
preparation, however, takes a little more effort. Food and drinks affect your
cholesterol profile, so you have to fast for 12 hours to get accurate readings
of your LDL ("bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol),
and triglyceride levels. You also need to avoid drinking alcohol for at least
24 hours before the test.
Wait for
the tests to be delivered.
Understanding
your test results
Quick
guide to cholesterol and triglyceride levels
Total cholesterol level Total
cholesterol category
Less
than 200 mg/dL Desirable
200–239
mg/dL Borderline high
240
mg/dL and above High YOU
NEED A DIET CONTROL!
LDL cholesterol level LDL
cholesterol category
Less
than 100 mg/dL (less than 70 mg/dL for people at high risk) Optimal
100–129
mg/dL Near optimal/above optimal
130–159
mg/dL Borderline high
160–189
mg/dL High
190
mg/dL and above Very high YOU NEED A DIET
CONTROL!
HDL cholesterol level HDL cholesterol category
Less
than 40 mg/dL Low (representing risk) YOU NEED A DIET CONTROL!
60 mg/dL
and above High (heart-protective)
Triglyceride level Triglyceride category
Less
than 150 mg/dL Normal
150–199
mg/dL Borderline high YOU NEED A DIET CONTROL!
200–499
mg/dL High YOU
NEED A DIET CONTROL!
500
mg/dL and above Very high YOU NEED A DIET
CONTROL!
When
discussing your cholesterol test results with your doctor, be sure to tell him
or her if any of these three things apply to you:
- Did you
have the flu or another illness shortly before the blood test? These events can
have a dramatic effect on your cholesterol levels.
- Was your
diet very different than normal in the weeks leading up to the cholesterol
test? If so, tell your doctor. High levels of alcohol or carbohydrates can
raise triglycerides.
- Did you
forget to fast or sneak something to eat or drink before the test? Don't be
embarrassed to say so. Otherwise, you could end up on a medication you don't
need.
What
next?
If your
total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, or triglycerides are borderline high, high,
or very high, you and your doctor will talk about how to get your levels lower.
Treatment may include:
- Changing
your diet
- Exercising
more
- Taking a
cholesterol medication
- A
combination of all of the above.
Before
deciding on a treatment plan, though, your doctor will want to get a good
picture of your heart health. He or she will likely check:
- Your
blood pressure, to make sure it is in a healthy range.
- Your
pulse, to make sure that your heartbeat is regular and forceful.
- The size
of your thyroid gland, which can be determined by feeling your neck. An underactive
or overactive thyroid can affect cholesterol levels.
- The
pulses of the carotid arteries in your neck. Listening to the blood flow there
can rule out any blockages.
- The
pulses in your legs, which can fade away if there are significant blockages in
any of the arteries that go to the feet.
If your
doctor is concerned about anything he or she sees during the physical exam, you
may be sent for lab tests or imaging procedures. These could include:
- An
electrocardiogram (ECG)
- A chest
x-ray
- An
echocardiogram (ultrasound picture of the heart)
- Tests of
thyroid or kidney function
- Ultrasounds
of the legs
With the
results from your cholesterol test, your physical, and any lab or imaging tests
you needed, your doctor will be able to recommend how you should treat your
cholesterol levels and lower your risk of heart disease.
DIET and NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTATION is one of the best and safest ways to reduce Cholesterol when the anomalies are caught early. Speak to our dietitians and they will help you Change the way you Feel!!