Cholesterol

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat like substance that is naturally found in cell walls.  However, if there is too much cholesterol in the bloodstream, the excess may be deposited in the arteries of the heart, which can lead to heart disease, heart attack, or stroke. 

A comprehensive cholesterol test is the complete lipid profile.  This measures the amount of HDL, or good cholesterol that prevents cholesterol buildup in the arteries, LDL, or bad cholesterol that causes the buildup, and Triglycerides, another form of fat that can also lead to blockage.For the full lipid panel, a blood sample must be taken to a lab for analysis.  Results are then mailed to the employee who submitted the sample. 

A simpler test can measure the total cholesterol in the blood as well as the HDL levels.   This test is very quick, easy, and painless.  Fasting is NOT necessary for this test.  The nurse will stick the tip of finger to draw a small blood sample.  The nurse then inserts this sample into a machine that will provide the results in less than 10 minutes.  After the results are produces, the nurse will go over the results with the individual being screened.  Below is an explanation of the results:

• Total cholesterol will fall into 1 of 3 categories: desirable (less than 200 mg/dL), borderline high risk (200-239 mg/dL), or high risk (240 mg/dL and above).
• HDL cholesterol will fall into 1 of 3 categories: 60 mg/dL and above, which is thought to protect you against heart disease; 40-59 mg/dL, which is average; or 40 mg/dL and less, which is considered to be a major risk factor for heart disease.
• LDL cholesterol will fall into 1 of 5 categories: optimal (less than 100 mg/dL), near optimal/above optimal (100-129 mg/dL), borderline high (130-159 mg/dL), high (160-189 mg/dL), or very high (190 mg/dL and above).
• Triglycerides will fall into 1 of 4 categories: normal (less than 150 mg/dL), borderline high (150-199 mg/dL), high (200-499 mg/dL), or very high (500 mg/dL and above). *

These numbers determined from the cholesterol test will help assess one’s risk for heart disease and should be done at least once every five years.

*Source: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/cholesterol_tests/article_em.htm