There are usually no symptoms of high cholesterol, which is why it is important to have your doctor check it out cholesterol levels You have it through a simple blood test, according to what the website says heart At the test the health care professional takes a sample of your blood if additional blood tests are needed all samples are usually taken at once the discomfort is usually minor.
After the blood sample is taken it is analyzed in the laboratory, where the levels of HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides are measured (if you are not fasting, only the total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol values will be usable) The test report will show the cholesterol level in blood in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dl).
To determine your risk of cardiovascular disease, your doctor will look at your cholesterol test results in the context of your age, gender, and family history. Other risk factors, such as smoking, diabetes, and high blood pressure, will also be considered.
If your risk remains uncertain, and your treatment options aren’t clear, your health care professional may consider other factors or order a coronary artery calcium measurement. (CAC) To provide deeper insight into your risk and help you make a decision.
How often should cholesterol be checked?
The American Heart Association recommends that all adults age 20 or older get their cholesterol and other traditional risk factors checked every four to six years. heart or stroke for 10 years.
People with cardiovascular disease, who are at high risk, may need to have their cholesterol and other risk factors evaluated more often..
Your doctor will explain what your cholesterol levels mean and can discuss treatment options if your numbers aren’t where they should be.
Where should cholesterol be checked?
It is best to have your primary care physician perform the test. As noted, blood cholesterol levels are only one of many factors that affect cardiovascular health. Your primary care physician will have a fuller understanding of your personal and family history, as well as any other risk factors. may apply.
If your cholesterol is checked at a general checkup, they may measure HDL cholesterol and total cholesterol but if HDL cholesterol is not measured (HDL) Knowing your total cholesterol levels can still give you valuable information. Regularly measuring your blood cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and fasting blood sugar should be part of your overall personal care plan..
If you get your cholesterol test results from a source outside your doctor’s office, be sure to share them with your primary care doctor. Additional data points help determine your risk of cardiovascular disease. This is especially important for people who smoke or have other health conditions such as diabetes or diabetes. Inflammatory conditions or have a family history of heart disease, high blood pressure or stroke.