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cholesterol test guide |
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No Need To Study: Test
A test is an important laboratory examination that tests a blood sample and provides a measurement of the patient's level. It is recommended that individuals over the age of 20 years old receive a test every five years. As a patient grows older the frequency of testing may increase.
In understanding more about a test, it is important to know what a test is, what the test results mean and methods of treatment.
What Is A Test?
A test is known as a lipid profile and generally measures the HDL and LDL levels as well as the triglycerides. The test is conducted on the blood sample that is drawn by laboratory personnel through a doctor's order.
The test is fairly painless with the only possibility of discomfort due to the insertion of a needle into the patients arm. The opposite end of the needle is inserted into a blood collection tube and the test is performed on the blood sample.
In addition, the patient is asked to fast prior to the exam. This simply means that the patient should not eat any food 12 hours before the blood sample is to be collected.
What The Results Mean?
When the lab results come back from the medical laboratory there will be two figures that the doctor will be especially interested in. Those numbers will correspond to HDL and LDL levels.
A good LDL level should fall in the range of 200 mg or less. This is an optimal level and indicates that the patient is at a lower risk for coronary heart disease. If the LDL level ranges from 200 to 239 mg this is considered as borderline. Unfortunately, if the LDL level is 240 mg or higher this indicates a high blood level and puts the person at great risk for coronary heart disease.
In regards to the HDL level of cholesterol, less is not better. This means that for a man who has an HDL level of 40 mg or less puts that individual at a greater risk for heart disease. This level for women corresponds to a level of 50 mg or less. An optimal HDL level reflected on the test should be in the range of 60 mg. or above.
Treatment
There are three basic treatments that a doctor can take in regards to abnormal test results. Those three responses can include ordering a low-fat diet, suggesting an exercise regimen and medication.
Often, when a test indicates that the HDL and LDL levels of are abnormal, the easiest treatment method of normalizing those levels of is through diet. Often a doctor will prescribe a low-fat diet which means that the patient will need to eat less animal products. This diet will limit their use of eggs, cheeses, cream cheese, butter, etc. In addition the patient’s intake of red meat and lamb should be limited as well. It is also important that the patient does not eat large amounts of processed food which can contain high levels of saturated fatty foods.
In addition, another treatment method of normalizing levels is through exercise. This exercise should be in the form of a highly stimulating cardiovascular exercise routine.
Finally, the doctor may be forced to prescribe medications. These medications can help to reduce or absorb high levels of within the blood stream.
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