Cholesterol testers are used to measure the cholesterol present in your blood as carried by particles referred to as lipoproteins.
Cholesterol is a soft, waxy substance found among the fats (lipids) in your bloodstream and in all the cells of your body.
It has some important functions.
It helps form cell membranes, some hormones, and other types of tissues.
However, when the cholesterol level in your blood is high you are at higher risk of getting a heart disease such as a heart attack or a stroke.
Cholesterol and other fats cannot dissolve in your blood.
They have to be carried into and out of the cells by lipoproteins.
The two major lipoproteins are high-density lipoprotein (hdl) and low-density lipoprotein (ldl).
Hdl is called good cholesterol because it helps to remove excess cholesterol from atherosclerotic plaques.
On the other hand ldl is called bad cholesterol because it can slowly accumulate within the walls of the arteries.
Cholesterol comes from the liver which produces it or comes from the food that you eat.
Foods that contain cholesterol usually come from animals.
Some examples are dairy products, seafood, fish, meats and poultry.
Foods from plants do not contain cholesterol.
Examples are vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.
A typical cholesterol tester usually gives four numerical components: 1.
the amount of ldl (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol 2.
the amount of hdl (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol 3.
the number of triglycerides 4.
the total cholesterol According to the 2005 statement released by the Heart Foundation, the hdl and ldl cholesterol levels are the most important components for any cholesterol test.
It is never an excuse to not have your cholesterol level tested for there are at least three avenues for you: 1.
Cholesterol in your body's bloodstream can be measured by a simple blood test, conducted in a hospital's laboratories.
2.
A more specific test that can be conducted to determine your cholesterol count will be the cholesterol testing procedure done and ordered at a specialized laboratory.
Cholesterol laboratory testing is highly recommended for adults at least once every five years.
A physical examination usually accompanies the test.
This type of testing is different as it does not just measure the amount of cholesterol present in the blood, but it predicts the danger associated with such number.
3.
There are a number of artificial cholesterol testers available on the market.
They are not considered one hundred percent accurate but they can serve as initial basis for your cholesterol count.
Testing should be immediately done if you are considered to be at high risk.
You have a high risk if you are a cigarette smoker, diabetic, aged 45 years and above, and have a genetic lineage of heart diseases.
You should watch your cholesterol levels as it varies depending on several factors.
You must also remember not to be tested when you are ill as the body normally has lower cholesterol count during this particular time.
Women who are pregnant, on the other hand, have higher cholesterol count than normal.
You should get an artificial or commercial or home cholesterol tester if you have already developed heart ailments.
The commercial testers can aid your need for the constant monitoring of the cholesterol count in the body.
For more information and help, you might want to visit: cholesterol testers.