Cholesterol Test
What is cholesterol test?
The test for cholesterol is always done along with the master health check up. This test may be done in all hospitals and even in home with help of some medical tools. This involves blood test through which the quantity of cholesterol and triglycerides present in serum can be found out. Cholesterol test is necessary because it helps in reducing the risk of getting heart disorders. This test must be done at regular intervals and it can help in maintaining good health without facing deadly diseases like artery hardening, heart disease, and heart attack.
What are the types of cholesterols that are tested?
The fat or lipid present in the blood is called as cholesterol. Cholesterol can be differentiated in to two types. They are high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL). High density lipoprotein (HDL) is also known as good cholesterol. HDL serves as the guard of heart. The second type is low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL is also known as bad cholesterol. It blocks arteries of heart. In addition to these there is another type of fat found in the blood and it is known as triglycerides.
At which condition cholesterol tests are recommended?
In connection with regular master health checkup a test known as lipid profile test is taken. This test includes HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides tests. When a person has a complaint of cholesterol and he is taking special diet and medication to manage cholesterol he must under go this test regularly. The main use of doing such tests regularly is to know whether the medication and diet is effective in controlling the cholesterol. It is necessary for a healthy person also to under go such test because a person has a chance of getting reduced blood cholesterol level when he is at stress or undergoes some surgeries or suffer an accident. In such conditions the person should under go the test after six weeks from the time of illness.
Is it easy to perform cholesterol test in home?
The cholesterol test is performed at home using cholesterol test kit. While doing this test a drop of blood is taken from the patient by piercing with a needle and the blood is spreaded on a chemical paper which shows colors change according to the type of cholesterol present in blood. There are also cholesterol test machines available to test the blood cholesterol level.
What are the drawbacks of performing cholesterol tests in home?
A pain and hurtful sensation is felt by the patient when needle is pierced. And after some time there may be some burning sensation. Other risks include unnecessary bleeding, feeling weak, infection, hematoma which occurs when blood is collected under the skin and numerous punctures while searching for veins for taking a drop of blood.