Cholesterol Test

HDL cholesterol test is sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol.

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A total cholesteroltest measures all the cholesterol in your blood.

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The site is cleaned with germ-killing medicine (antiseptic). The health care provider wraps an elastic band around the upper arm to apply pressure to the area and make the vein swell with blood.

This testis done to check the level of cholesterol in your blood and to see if you are at high risk for a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular problem. Studies of both men and women have shown that the higher your HDL, the lower your risk of coronary artery disease. This is why HDL is sometimes referred to as "good" cholesterol.

The main function of HDLis to help soak up excess cholesterol from the walls of blood vessels and carry it to the liver, where it breaks down and is removed from the body in the bile.

The laboratory Cholesterol Test for HDL actually measures how much cholesterol is in each high-density lipoprotein particle, not the actual amount of HDL in the blood. This test is usually done to determine your risk for heart disease.

The LDL test is usually done as part of a lipid panel, which also checks total cholesterol, HDL, and triglyceride levels.

LDL carries cholesterol to various tissues throughout the body. Too much LDL, commonly called "bad cholesterol," is linked to cardiovascular disease. The lower your LDL, the lower your risk for heart disease or stroke. 

Low cholesterol Diet

For a person to prevent the risk of coronary disease, he/she has to follow the TLC diet which is a low-saturated fat, low-cholesterol eating plan. The TLC diet is for anyone whose LDL is above his or her goal level. This diet is summed up in the following:

·     Less than 7% of the day's total calories from saturated fat.

·     25-35% or less of the day's total calories from fat.

·     Less than 200 milligrams of dietary cholesterol a day.

·     Limit sodium intake to 2400 milligrams a day.

·     Just enough calories to achieve or maintain a healthy weight and reduce blood cholesterol level. (Ask your doctor or a registered dietitian what is a reason able calorie level for you.)

In LDL patients who follow the TLC diet, there are certain foods which are recommended matching the quantities of calories that endanger the patient’s health. These foods should be low in saturated fat, such as:

·     fat free or 1% dairy products

·     lean meats

·     fish and shellfish

·     skinless poultry

·     whole grain foods

·     fruits

·     vegetables

 

 

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