Importance Of Cholesterol Screening Tests

A person’s health is greatly affected by the cholesterol level. Higher blood cholesterol puts a person at risk for coronary heart disease or stroke. Multiple cases of strokes are reported annually in the Glen Oaks area alone. So it is recommended to be aware of your cholesterol levels. For this purpose, you need to go for appropriate screening.

What is the cholesterol screening process?

• High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoprotein (LDL) can be measured during a cholesterol screening in any clinic in the Glen Oaks area.  A blood sample is evaluated at the same time when other tests included in the procedure are being conducted. Usually the samples are taken at the same time and your blood sample is examined in a lab.

• It is advised by the doctors to avoid consuming food, medicines or beverages for nine to twelve hours prior to the blood test. The parameters being examined can be affected by the consumption of food, which may lead to inaccurate results.

• Cholesterol levels are measured in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Doctors interpret the numbers based on other risk factors like blood pressure, family history and smoking.

How often you should get your cholesterol checked?

• In case you have been diagnosed with a heart condition and are above 20 years of age, then it is recommended that you get your cholesterol levels examined every once in awhile.

• You can have your cholesterol tested more often to mitigate other risk factors. Your doctor can give apt solutions based on your reports.

It is best to get yourself tested under the supervision of a primary doctor. Once you know the results, your doctor can suggest required treatment and an effective prevention plan, as well as follow-up testing.

In case you are going to public screening to get your cholesterol tested, make sure it is conducted by a reputed company. Cholesterol levels are integral in your overall cardiovascular profile. Timely detection of high levels can be controlled and further risks can be mitigated through a preventive action plan.