Blood cholesterol test: total, LDL and HDL

In the XXI century it is very normal to see how more and more people have a high level blood cholesterol In fact, many children already suffer from this condition at a very early age because to the boom of sedentary lifestyle and massive intake of sweets and fats from fast food. It is estimated that in the world there are more than 120 million cases related to childhood obesity, a tendency that if it is not changed, continueIncreasing exponentially.

The worst of the matter is that the high cholesterol It can have fatal consequences for health. This is because this substance is accumulated by all the arteries and veins of the body causing oxygen and red blood cells do not reach correctly to any of the organs.

And of course, this situation can be translated later in that the muscles of the heart do not work correctly causing hypertension and even a clear case of myocardial infarction. It is also very common for high cholesterol to increase the chances of suffer diabetes because glucose levels have skyrocketed by the increase in the consumption of triglycerides.

What is the total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol test?

If you have already done a cholesterol test at some point, you probably have already noticed that three parameters are included with the results of the blood test: total cholesterol, the LDL cholesterol and the HDL cholesterol. But, what are they?

  • Total cholesterol:It basically consists of the sum of the following two types of cholesterol.
  • LDL cholesterol:Also known as low density lipoprotein, or popularly with the name ofbad cholesterol, is the cholesterol capable of covering the arteries, being associated with heart diseases and strokes.
  • HDL cholesterol:Known as high density lipoprotein, orgood cholesterol, it is recommended that its level be high since it helps reduce the effects of LDL cholesterol.

How is a cholesterol test done?

In short, if what we want is to know if we suffer from high cholesterol, there will be no choice but to be very attentive to a series of symptoms who can make an appearance at any time and between the ones that stand out the following:

  • Those who suffer from dry mouth or bad breath may indicate that we are facing a clear case of high cholesterol.
  • Pain in the chest and joints. The blockage of arteries and veins of the body caused by high cholesterol levels can cause discomfort and pain in the chest area and some limbs such as the arm.
  • Dizziness and vertigo It is also possible that due to high cholesterol, dizziness of all kinds that can later translate into fainting and fainting occur. Given this, it is best to go to the hospital as soon as possible.

Before the appearance of any of the above mentioned symptoms, we will have to visit our trusted doctor to take a blood sample from the inside part of the elbow. As with any test, it is best to go on an empty stomach without having consumed any food during the past 10-12 hours.

Normal cholesterol values

Once they have done it to us, we will wait a couple of days to know the results. After this, you just have to take into account the following premises to know first hand if the levels of Bad cholesterol (LDL) are too high.

  • Any value above 190ml / dL may denote that we suffer from high cholesterol.
  • If the levels are between 79 / 189mg / dL, The person will be considered to have high cholesterol if he or she has diabetes or some heart disease such as hypertension.

Likewise, we can know what the normal values ​​of cholesterol are by dividing it by the different types (total, LDL and HDL):

  • Normal values ​​of total cholesterol: It is ideal values ​​of 180 to 200 mg / dL. If our cholesterol level is within these parameters, it is usual not to study LDL cholesterol or HDL.
  • Normal values ​​of LDL cholesterol:Values ​​of 70 to 130 mg / dL are considered normal, so that the lowest values ​​are medically considered the best.
  • Normal values ​​of HDL cholesterol:It is advised that their values ​​are above 50 mg / dL.

In short, it seems very important to perform a cholesterol test every five years to know first hand if we suffer from this condition that is increasingly present in our society. Although the terms must be shortened at older ages or if you suffer from diabetes or obesity.

However, if there is a high blood level in the first blood test, the most common is that our doctor advises us to repeat the analysis in a few months, usually two months later, following a normal lifestyle and maintaining our eating habits normally, in order to discover if the abnormal values ​​return or not to be repeated.

We must bear in mind, yes, that our cholesterol level depends directly on our diet and our lifestyle, so that if you have high cholesterol one of the main recommendations that are given is to maintain a healthy diet and low in fat, and practice physical exercise regularly. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesBlood test

LDL and HDL Cholesterol | Good and Bad Cholesterol | Nucleus Health (March 2024)