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Cholesterol analysis: answers to key questions
What should you know about cholesterol before taking the test? Is there a difference between "good" and "bad" cholesterol? How many hours should you not eat before donating blood? In this format — in the form of questions and answers — we reveal the main things about cholesterol testing
What is cholesterol and why is it important for the body?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is part of cell membranes and is involved in the synthesis of hormones and vitamin D. The body needs it, but only if its level is within normal limits. Excess cholesterol causes the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
What are the types of cholesterol?
LDL (low-density lipoprotein) is the «bad» cholesterol. Excess of it is deposited on the walls of blood vessels.
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) is the «good» cholesterol. It transports excess LDL to the liver for further disposal.
Total cholesterol — is the set of all fractions
Triglycerides are another type of fat that is also important for risk assessment.
Who needs to get a cholesterol test?
People over 40 years old
For patients with high blood pressure
Those who are overweight or lead a sedentary lifestyle
With diabetes
In the presence of cardiovascular diseases
People with a burdened heredity
On recommendation Mayo Clinic, it is advisable for adults to be tested at least once every 5 years, and more often if there are risk factors
What is included in the analysis (lipidograms)
Total cholesterol
LDL
HDL
Triglycerides
Atherogenicity coefficient
What values are considered normal?
| Indicator | Optimal levels |
|---|---|
| Total cholesterol | < 5.2 mmol/L |
| LDL ("bad") | < 3.0 mmol/L |
| HDL ("good") | > 1.0 mmol/l (h), >1.2 (w) |
| Triglycerides | < 1.7 mmol/L |
| Atherogenicity coefficient | < 3.0 |
Reference values may vary depending on the laboratory.
How to prepare for the analysis
Do not eat for 9–12 hours before the test.
Avoid fatty foods the day before
If possible, do not drink alcohol or smoke.
Avoid physical exertion before delivery
Drink only still water in the morning
What do deviations mean?
Elevated total cholesterol or LDL — increased risk of atherosclerosis
Reduced HDL - weakened body's ability to cleanse blood vessels
Elevated triglycerides — a disorder of fat metabolism
A high atherogenic coefficient is a signal that lifestyle changes or the start of drug therapy are necessary.
As noted WHO, high cholesterol is one of the five major risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease
A cholesterol test is a simple and important diagnostic procedure that allows you to identify risks early and reduce the likelihood of serious cardiovascular complications. Getting it checked regularly is a smart decision for anyone who cares about their health.
