


Those above the age of 65 years should get a cholesterol test done every year. Further, it recommends screening for cholesterol every 1-2 years for males between the ages of 45 to 65 and females aged between 55 to 60. Thereafter, the test should be repeated after every 5 years. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) recommends screening of cholesterol between the ages of 9 and 11. When should you get a cholesterol test done? HDL cholesterol – 40 to 60 mg/dL or greater.The cholesterol test normal range is as follows : The level of cholesterol is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). What should be the cholesterol test normal range ? While total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol are measured directly, the values of LDL and VLDL cholesterol depend on HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol Total cholesterol: It is the combined level of cholesterol that includes your HDL, LDL, VLDL, and triglycerides levels.It is calculated as 20% of triglyceride levels. The cholesterol test does not directly measure VLDL. High VLDL levels are associated with the development of plaque. VLDL: Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) is a type of bad cholesterol that increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.Several factors like obesity, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, excessive alcohol, smoking, and an unhealthy diet increase the level of triglycerides. A high level of triglycerides raises the risk of heart disease. Triglycerides: These are types of fats that your body breaks down your food into.The plaque can rupture and cause a heart attack. LDL cholesterol: It leads to a build-up of plaques in your arteries which can block the flow of your blood.It helps eliminate low- density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, from your blood. HDL cholesterol: High-density lipoprotein or HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol.What is measured with a cholesterol blood test ?Ī cholesterol blood test measures the levels of different fats in your blood: Īdditional Read: High Cholesterol Symptoms Read on to know all about cholesterol levels and the cholesterol blood test. The CDC suggests a person should get a cholesterol test done in every 5 years beginning from age of 20. Note that the prevalence of high cholesterol is more in high-income nations. In India, high cholesterol is present in 25-30% of the urban and 15-20% of rural populations.

However, too much of it can form a build-up that increases your risk of stroke, atherosclerosis, and heart diseases. Although your liver produces cholesterol, you can gain it through foods including dairy products, meat, and eggs.Ĭholesterol, to a certain extent, is healthy. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is essential to keep your body’s organs and cells healthy. The cholesterol test helps determine the risk of plaque in arteries that may lead to heart diseases. Cholesterol blood test, also known as a lipid profile test measures the cholesterol levels and other fats like triglycerides in your blood.
