LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is a kind of lipoprotein that also acts as cholesterol carrier in the blood. The LDL cholesterol has the tendency to build up on the walls of the blood vessels suppressing flow of blood over time. Eventually the hardening of the arteries will result in a heart attack or stroke.
The LDL cholesterol test is advised to let you know your LDL numbers. The test is done using a blood sample usually collected from a vein in the arm. This is a process which called venipuncture. LDL and other lipid profile measurements done at home using home cholesterol test kits requires only about a drop or two of blood samples taken from the fingertip.
The result, regardless where the test was done, is used to determine your risk of having heart disease. While these tests give you the numbers of other kinds of cholesterol in the blood, the LDL cholesterol level is mostly used by health practitioners as basis for treatment options.
LDL cholesterol level can be found out by undergoing a lipoprotein profile. It is basically a cholesterol test that will give results not only regarding your LDL cholesterol level but also the total blood cholesterol level, HDL cholesterol level, and triglyceride level. The profile is highly recommended to individuals above 20 years old or those who have been previously screened and found out to have high cholesterol level.
A high LDL cholesterol level would mean a high risk factor for heart disease. For people with heart disease or diabetes, LDL should be less than 100 mg/dL; for persons with 2 or more other risk factors, LDL should be less than 130 mg/dL; and for individuals with 0 or 1 other risk factor, LDL should be less than 160 mg/dL.
A low HDL (good) cholesterol level, hypertension, family history of heart disease, and smoking makes a person prone to developing heart disease as well. Males who are 45 years or older and females beyond 54 years old are also more prone to developing heart problems.
Knowing your LDL cholesterol level is just a first step. What is more critical is your cholesterol management tactic.
Related posts:
