This test is for anyone who wants to know their total cholesterol number or to monitor certain medical conditions or the effects of medications. It measures the total amount of cholesterol content in your blood based on your LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol) levels. High levels of LDL cholesterol in your blood may cause a buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries, which reduces blood flow. HDL cholesterol helps carry away LDL cholesterol while keeping your arteries open and allowing for blood to flow more freely. Too much cholesterol in your blood may damage arteries and blood vessels, which may increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.
What is tested?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fatty substance found in the blood and is needed to make cell walls, tissues, hormones, vitamin D, and bile acid. Cholesterol comes from internal and external sources. The liver is responsible for creating cholesterol within the body and it provides all that you need. The remainder of the cholesterol in your body comes from animal-based foods like meat, poultry, and dairy products. Too much cholesterol in the blood may clog blood vessels, which reduces the flow of blood to the heart, brain, and other organs. This may increase your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions.
Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream on particles made of protein and fat (lipoproteins). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) are 2 types of lipoproteins. HDL is known as “good cholesterol” because it transports cholesterol away from cells and tissues to the liver, where it is eventually removed from the body. This helps lower blood cholesterol levels. LDL is known as “bad cholesterol” because it carries fatty deposits (plaques) toward the arteries. A high amount of LDL in the blood may cause cholesterol to accumulate in the vessel walls, resulting in plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Our Total Cholesterol Test combines your HDL and LDL levels, representing your total cholesterol number. This helps determine whether your cholesterol is elevated.
This test will only provide a value for Total Cholesterol and not individual values for LDL or HDL.
Eligibility
Our Cholesterol Test is for anyone who wants to monitor their blood levels of cholesterol and lipids to assess heart health or risk for heart disease. You must be 18 years old or older to purchase.
Preparing For Your Test
Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended. If you are not able to fast before the test, your triglyceride levels may be elevated. If you are taking medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test.
After The Test
When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report. You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results. If your results differ from the expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.
