|
Port Moresby Medical Laboratories (POMMEDLAB) |
|
Www.pommedlab.com |
|
Question 1. What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body’s metabolic processes, including hormone and bile production, and to help the body use vitamin D. However, there’s no need to eat foods high in cholesterol. The body is very good at making its n cholesterol; you don’t need to help it along.
Question 2. Why is cholesterol bad? Too much cholesterol in your diet can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, blindness and many blood vessel diseases. Excess cholesterol clots up your arteries and blocks blood supply to vitals organs such as heart and brain can lead to death.
There are two types of cholesterol. The bad cholesterol called Low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that clogs up your arteries and the good cholesterol -High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol that removes bad cholesterol out of the bloodstream.
Question 3. How is cholesterol Measured?
POMMEDLAB measures total, LDLC, HDLC, and triglycerides. You should fast for 9-12 hours prior to test and should have nothing including smoking except water prior to test. A 5-10mls of blood will be drawn and often this is enough to do electrolytes, glucose, kidney and liver tests.
Authorities recommend that total cholesterol should be no higher than 5.5 mmol/L. However, the lower the cholesterol the better especially if you have other risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, hypertension and over-weight.
Question 5. What if my levels are high? If your level is high you should see your doctor for advice on diet and physical activity and drug treatment.
Question 6. What is my actual risk of having high cholesterol-related diseases?
Your risk of vascular disease and heart attack increases proportional to cholesterol level. This is further amplified if you have other risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, hypertension and over-weight.
|
|
Cholesterol Testing |