Cholesterol Testing
Available at Euston, Eastcote and Clerkenwell Branches of Green Light Pharmacy.
Why Test
As high cholesterol is a symptomless condition - until something major happens like a heart attack or stroke - then measuring your cholesterol enables you to take action before that event.
How and What we test
The test is best done after fasting, like in the morning after not eating since 8/9pm the previous evening, to give a good indication of your triglycerides.
We take a small sample of blood, place it into a cholesterol analyser, after about 2 minutes the result is available.
The result gives you your HDL, LDL, Total Cholesterol and ratio, and Lipid level.
Who should have the test
Everyone !
Periodic Testing
Your HDL and LDL levels can be changed by exercise and diet. When altering your diet it is important to increase consumption of food products high in fibre (grains, fruit, vegetables, beans) and to lower consumption of food products that are high in saturated fat (butter and other dairy products like cream; red meat, some nuts and egg yolks). This process can actually be checked by periodic monitoring of your cholesterol.
The Results
The previous target of 5.0mmol/l is now regarded as a minimum standard, and the optimum is now the reduced target of 4mmol/l
- ideal level: cholesterol level less than 4mmol/l.
- mildly high: cholesterol level between 4 to 5.4mmol/l.
- moderately high: cholesterol level between 5.5 to 7mmol/l.
- very high: cholesterol level above 7mmol/l.
The LDL-Cholesterol level should be below 2.0mmol/l
Total Cholesterol (TC), is a measure of the total amount of cholesterol in your blood at a given time. Your level should 5.2 mmol/L or less. Neither the TC nor HDL tests require you to fast.
High Density Lipoproteins (HDL), is the so-called "good" cholesterol as it helps to clear excess lipids from the arteries. The higher this number is, the better. An HDL of 1.2 mmol/L or more is beneficial and considered a negative risk factor. HDL should be measured whenever your cardiac risk is being assessed.
TC/HDL Ratio, is a comparison of total cholesterol to your HDL cholesterol. A ratio of 4.5 or less is desirable. The lower the ratio, the less risk you have of developing heart disease.
Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL), is the “bad” cholesterol because it contributes to the build up of fat deposits in arterial walls. About 65% of the cholesterol in your blood is in the form of LDL. A fasting LDL level of less than 3.3 mmol/L is desirable.
Triglycerides (TG), are composed of fatty acids and glycerol. Like cholesterol, they circulate in your blood but are stored in body fat. When you eat a meal, your triglyceride (and glucose) levels increase significantly. Gradually, if you body processes the fat efficiently, the level of triglycerides will decrease. Your fasting triglycerides should be below 2.8mmol/L.
