We need an amount of cholesterol for the functions of the organs. All cholesterol we need occurs in the liver. We also ingest foods rich in cholesterol. On the other hand, the ingestion of fatty foods stimulate the liver to produce more cholesterol. 

There are two main types of cholesterol: low density lipoproteins (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol, and high density lipoproteins (HDL) or "good" cholesterol. The cholesterol test is an analysis that measures the amount of each type of cholesterol and certain blood lipids.

A too high level of LDL cholesterol in the blood can put it at risk of having a heart disease and other serious health problems. High LDL levels can make plaque form, a greasy substance that narrows arteries and obstructs the normal circulation of blood. When blood flow is obstructed, there can be a heart attack (myocardial infarction), and when blood flow to the brain is obstructed, a brain Atack (cerebral infarction or stroke) and peripheral arterial disease.

Other cholesterol test names: lipid profile, lipid panel

What is used for and what tests are performed?

If you have high cholesterol, you may not feel any symptom but could run an important risk of having heart disease. The cholesterol test gives important information to your doctor or health professional about your blood cholesterol levels. The test measures:

• LDL levels: The LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol, is the main cause of arteries obstructions
• HDL levels: HDL, considered "good" cholesterol, helps eliminate "bad" cholesterol or LDL
• Total cholesterol: The total amount of low density lipoproteins (LDL cholesterol) and high density lipoproteins (HDL cholesterol) in the blood
• Triglycerides: A type of lipids or fats in the body. According to some studies, high levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease, especially in women.
• VLDL levels: Very low density lipoproteins (VLDL) are another "bad" cholesterol. It has been found that there is a relationship between high levels of VLDL and plate formation in the arteries. VLDL are not easy to measure. Therefore, most of the time, these levels are calculated based on triglycerides levels

Why do I need a cholesterol test?

Your doctor could ask for a cholesterol test as part of a routine exam, or if you have a family history of a heart disease or one or more of the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure (arterial hypertension)
• Type 2 diabetes
• Smoke
• Excess weight u obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• A diet rich in saturated fats

His age could also be a factor because the risk of heart disease increases with age.

What happens during a cholesterol test?

A health professional will take a blood sample from a vein of one arm using a small needle. After inserting the needle, a small amount of blood that is placed in a test or specimen tube is extracted. Maybe it feels a mild discomfort when the needle is introduced or removed. This process usually lasts less than five minutes.

Cholesterol tests are usually done in the morning and is generally asked to eat nothing for several hours before.

Should I do something to prepare for the test?

Do not eat or drink anything, only water for 9 to 12 hours before blood extraction. Except that you have a medical problem that prevents you from doing this fast.

Does this test have any risk?

The risks of a blood analysis are minimal. Maybe it feels slight pain or a bruise is formed in the place where the needle is inserted, but most symptoms disappear quickly.

What do the results mean?

Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of deciliter cholesterol (DL)

The healthy cholesterol range for you depends on your age, your family history, your lifestyle and other risk factors. In general, low levels of LDL cholesterol and high levels of HDL cholesterol are good for heart health. Triglycerides high levels also put it at risk of heart disease.

Its LDL results may say "calculated." This means that they include a calculation of total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides. Its LDL level can also be measured "directly", without other measurements. In any case, the desirable thing is that the value of LDL is low.

Get more information about Medical tests, reference ranges and how to understand the results.

Should I know anything else about cholesterol levels?

High cholesterol can cause heart disease, the main cause of death in the United States. Although some risk factors of cholesterol cannot be controlled, for example, age or genetic inheritance, there are things you can do to reduce your LDL and risk levels, for example:

• Follow a healthy diet: Reduce or avoid food with a high content of saturated fats and cholesterol helps reduce blood cholesterol levels
• Lose weight: Excess weight can increase its cholesterol levels and their risk of heart disease
• Keep active: Exercising regularly helps reduce its LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and increases its HDL cholesterol levels (good). It also helps lose weight

Talk to your health doctor or professional before making any important change in your exercise diet or routine.