Cholesterol Tests

Cholesterol tests are much different from other kinds of tests? The test calculates the risk of heart disease instead of diagnosing or monitoring it. It can give advance notice of the risk of heart disease, so medicationscan be take to avoid it, and so diet can be corrected and exercise implemented for a longer and healthier life.

Hardening of the blood vessels is directly tied to high cholesterol accumulations. LDL cholesterol or low lipoproteins are the type of cholesterol that accumulate in the blood stream and is one of the main causes of heart disease. As a preventative measure, cholesterol level should be checked regularly. It is in your best interest.

Cholesterol tests should be taken every three to five years, especially for those diagnosed with high blood cholesterol. Most people have the test combined with a routine physical. Usually, cholesterol tests are combined with other tests. Cholesterol tests usually test for both HDL, called good cholesterol, and LDL, called bad cholesterol.

Blood samples are taken and tests are completed by a cholesterol testing device. Cholesterol tests are usually required several times a year for those taking cholesterol medication or on a special diet. Cholesterol tests can monitor progress lowering cholesterol.

Cholesterol test are generally grouped by:

* Ultimate – a cholesterol level of 200 mg or below is considered normal and low risk.

* Borderline high-- a cholesterol level of 200 mg to 240 mg is considered at risk of getting heart disease. If your tests show this range, your physician will probably order further testing.

* High Risk – a 240 mg cholesterol level and higher level is a very high risk of heart disease. Your doctor will quite probably request more testing, such as a lipid profile, and he will probably give you a prescription for cholesterol medication and recommend that you eat a low cholesterol diet.

Cholesterol tests are normally taken when you are healthy because the cholesterol level of a sick individual is often low. Doctors usually recommend waiting at least six to eight weeks after a sickness before testing. Alway ask your doctor if you're not sure, so that the test will be accurate.

This article was written by Jim Krage of Healing Energy News .com.