Cholesterol Test
Measure your cholesterol and triglycerides levels to help assess risk for heart attack, heart disease, and other diseases of the blood vessels. A sample of your blood is collected to measure total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, and some people can have high levels for years without knowing. If the results show you have higher than normal levels of cholesterol, you and your healthcare provider can work together to determine next steps.
What's Tested
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in everyone’s blood and is needed to make cell membranes, some hormones, and Vitamin D. Cholesterol comes from some animal-based foods, such as eggs, meat, and dairy. It is also produced by the liver. Too much cholesterol in the blood can clog blood vessels, reducing the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other organs. This can increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
This test measures the levels of cholesterol and lipids circulating in the blood. It can help determine the risk of fatty buildup on the artery walls and the risk of heart disease. Some important cholesterol numbers are total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. HDL, often called “good cholesterol,” helps remove bad cholesterol from the body. LDL is often called “bad cholesterol” because it can cause the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow, increasing the risk for heart attack or heart disease. Triglycerides are used by your body to store energy in the form of fat until your body needs it. High levels of triglycerides in your body can lead to weight gain, diabetes, and heart disease.
