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Cholesterol is produced mainly by the liver, & is also found in certain foods. As a fatty substance, cholesterol provides fuel for many everyday bodily functions. However, when it appears in high levels in the blood, it can have a negative impact on your health, increasing your cardiovascular risk in terms of stroke & heart attack.
A Cholesterol blood test measures the amount of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. A high level of LDL cholesterol increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. A high level of HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease. Triglycerides are the chemical form most fats take in the body before being used for energy. However, a high level of triglycerides can also lead to similar diseases.
Patients with medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension (high blood pressure), underactive thyroid, & kidney or liver disease, will often have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. Monitoring these levels is an important part of preventative healthcare, & can help you to prevent future illness.
If you are looking to book a cholesterol test, you are welcome to book an appointment with us.
When should I get tested?
Anyone can come in for a cholesterol test, which will inform you regarding whether or not your levels are healthy.
Your doctor may also advise you to undergo regular cholesterol testing, depending on any existing health conditions you have.
Once your levels have been tested, a doctor can advise you on any measures that could benefit your health, such as a change in diet, your exercise regimen, or medication.
What does the test include?
The cholesterol test is a simple blood test. A doctor or nurse will discuss the test & any health issues or concerns with you before taking your sample.
What to Expect
Step 1
Preparing for test
We would like to advise you to fast for cholesterol test. You can have a light dinner the night before the medical & skip breakfast the following morning. However make sure you keep yourself hydrated by drinking a sufficient amount of water. You can have tea or black coffee without milk or sugar. If your appointment is in the afternoon, please avoid food for 6 hours.
Step 2
During the test
The doctor or nurse will take a small sample of blood from your arm, usually on the inner arm, near the elbow. This is a relatively painless procedure.
Step 3
Results
Once we receive the results from the laboratory we will email them over to you. If the test was suggested by one of our doctors the doctor will give you a call to explain the results for you. If you didn't have a consultation at our clinic you can take the results to your own doctor or come back for a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get my cholesterol checked?
Adults aged 20 and older should typically have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years if results are normal. However, more frequent testing may be needed for people with heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of high cholesterol.
Can lifestyle changes affect cholesterol levels?
Diet, exercise, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve cholesterol levels and can help reduce cardiovascular risk.
Are there risks involved in testing?
The risks are minimal. Some people may experience mild bruising or discomfort at the blood draw site. However, serious complications are extremely rare.
What should I do if my cholesterol is high?
High cholesterol may require lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight management), medications (if recommended by your doctor), and/or regular follow-up testing to help monitor improvement.
Are there symptoms of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol usually does not cause symptoms, which is why regular testing is important. Severe cases may lead to heart disease or stroke over time. Therefore, early testing and intervention is always best.
HEALTH CHECKS