Together, cholesterol and triglycerides are known as lipids. HDLs and LDLs are two different kinds of cholesterol particles, and VLDLs are rich in triglycerides (or fats). Total cholesterol measures three particles found in the blood: (In some instances you will get a VLDL level as well.) When your doctor gets the results from a fasting lipid profile, it will have numbers for total cholesterol, triglyceride, HDL and LDL cholesterol. This is called a lipid profile, which is typically done after a 10- to 12-hour period of fasting without anything to eat or drink. If an initial blood test shows a high total cholesterol level, the next step is to do a more detailed test to find out the balance of two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL. Doctors generally recommend that total blood cholesterol be below 170 mg/dl for children 2 to 19 years old. The goal of treating patients with elevated blood cholesterol levels is not to eliminate cholesterol from the blood, but to achieve and maintain a safe level.Īll children should be screened for high cholesterol between the ages of 9 to 11 years of age. It is a building block for hormones and a component of cell membranes. Dietary cholesterol, as well as saturated and trans fats in food, may be absorbed by the body and raise blood cholesterol. Humans also make cholesterol in our bodies. Cholesterol is not present in foods that come from plants. What Is Cholesterol?Ĭholesterol is a naturally occurring substance found in all foods from animals such as meat, poultry, seafood, eggs and dairy products. This process can begin in early childhood and over time may result in coronary artery disease, heart attacks or stroke. Over time, this plaque can build up and narrow the arteries, which in turn may clog the flow of blood. Too much cholesterol in the blood can collect in the arteries and form a plaque (a raised lesion on the inside of an artery). Studies have shown a link between high blood cholesterol and premature heart attacks. Some of these factors are within our control others are not. Other factors such as genetics, eating and exercise habits, and the presence of other diseases such as diabetes and hypertension may also contribute to the development of heart disease. There are different types of hyperlipidemias, all of which are risk factors for developing heart disease. Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test.Hyperlipidemia is a condition where there are high level of lipids (fats / cholesterol) circulating in the blood. Fasting is not always needed, but it may be recommended. In most cases, you are allowed to take your medicines with water the morning of the test. Your doctor may ask you to not eat or drink anything except water for 9 to 14 hours before your blood test. The results help your doctor check your risk of heart attack and stroke.įollow your doctor's instructions on how to prepare for these tests. Your doctor may use the results to prevent, check on, or diagnose a medical condition. Your doctor may order these tests as part of a regular health examination.
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