Why is this procedure done?
This test checks the levels of the different types of fats in your blood. Your doctor orders this test to see if you are at risk for heart diseases. You might have this test if you have risk factors. Some of them are: ‚
- High blood pressure
- Past heart problem or heart attack
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood sugar
- Cigarette smoking
- Age: Women ¢ ˆ ’ 55 years or older; Men ¢ ˆ ’ 45 years or older
- Diabetes
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What will the results be?
The best results for adults are: ‚
- LDL cholesterol: Lower than 100 to 130 mg/dL or 2.6 to 3.4 mmol/L
- LDL is the bad cholesterol in the blood. It can be higher due to some of the high-fat foods in your diet and/or genetics.
- HDL cholesterol: Higher than 40 " “60 mg/dL or 1.5 mmol/L
- HDL is the good cholesterol. It can help protect your heart. You can raise your HDL by eating good fats and doing workouts that raise your heart rate.
- Total cholesterol: Lower than 200 mg/dL or 5.2 mmol/L
- Your total cholesterol is made up from your HDL, LDL, and a percent (%) of your triglycerides.
- Triglycerides: Lower than 150 mg/dL or 1.7 mmol/L
- Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. They most often come from fatty or starchy foods that you eat.
- VLDL: 2-38 mg/dL or >0.77 mmol/L
- VLDL is made in the liver. It turns into LDL cholesterol in the bloodstream.
These are the normal results for adults. Talk to your doctor about your test results. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
- Your doctor may ask you not to eat or drink anything for 9 to 12 hours before the test. Water is OK.
- Be sure to tell the doctor about all the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
What happens during the procedure?
It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a little pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood for cholesterol levels. ‚
What happens after the procedure?
- You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
- Put pressure with your other hand where the needle was. This will help with bruising and bleeding.
- Ask your doctor when you will get the results.
What care is needed at home?
You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Together you can make a plan for more care. ‚
What lifestyle changes are needed?
If you have a high level of cholesterol in your blood, you may still be able to lower it by doing these: ‚
- Exercise. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you.
- Stop smoking.
- Eat healthy, low fat foods.
Your doctor may ask you to take some drugs to help you lower your cholesterol. Talk to your doctor about these and other choices you may have. ‚
What problems could happen?
Minor risks include: ‚
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Pain
- Feeling dizzy
Where can I learn more?
American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cholesterol/tab/test ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚