 |
Everyone who is 20 years of age or over and
children over the age of 2 with a parent who has high blood cholesterol
should have a blood test for cholesterol at least once every
5 years. If a
simple blood test shows a total cholesterol count of 200 milligrams per
deciliter of blood (mg/dl) or more, the borderline danger level, a
doctor should arrange further tests a month or two later to confirm the
reading and discuss treatment. Two readings give a truer picture than a
single test because cholesterol levels in an individual fluctuate from
week to week and can be skewed by viral infections, medications,
pregnancy, or recent surgery. Another variable may
be the lab work; not all laboratories meet the standards set by the
Centers for Disease Control for analyzing blood samples.
If your total cholesterol level measures above 200 mg/dl on two tests,
or if you have a family history of premature (under age 55) heart
disease, your doctor will probably order a lipoprotein profile to
calculate low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL),
and triglyceride levels in the blood. Blood for this test is drawn from a vein after you have
fasted for 12 hours. (The test is often scheduled for early morning; eat
dinner the night before and postpone breakfast until afterward.) If your
LDL cholesterol is 130 mg/dl or more, and your risk for heart disease is
high from heredity or obesity, for example, your doctor may recommend a
low-fat die as treatment. If your LDL reading is more than 160, drugs may
also be considered. Keep records of your cholesterol measurements.
Patterns over
time are the best index of cholesterol levels and the best way to
evaluate if diet changes are working.
Source: Reader's Digest: The Good Health Fact Book
Disclaimer: All the information on this page is strictly
provided for informational purposes to better educate yourself only. It is
not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other
medical professional. Do not use the information contained herein for
diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any
medication.
|
