Blood Test : Cholesterol and Triglycerides

Elevated blood cholesterol has been shown to be a major risk factor for the development of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerotic vascular disease. Some cholesterol is produced by the body, while another part is contributed through the diet. Cholesterol is a building block for sex hormones, cell membranes, and bile acids.

Cholesterol is a fatty substance which is not dissolved in blood and must be "carried" by protein complexes known as lipoproteins. Medications (Mevacor) are available for use in those patients who suffer from chronically elevated blood cholesterol (despite a dietary restriction).

Triglycerides are other fatty substances often measured at the same time as cholesterol, in order to evaluate cardiac risk. Mildly elevated triglycerides, in the absence of high cholesterol, have not been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Some studies show that those with triglyceride levels of 1000 mg/dl, or more, may have an increased risk of heart disease even if their cholesterol level is normal.

NORMAL TRIGLYCERIDE LEVEL: 10-150 mg/dl

Knowledge of these blood levels has become increasingly important to both the general public and todays physician. Control of dietary cholesterol and fat continues to be an important measure in limiting the risk of heart disease (and some cancers).

Home diagnostic kits for evaluating cholesterol levels have been developed and are soon to be marketed. Let's look at a general assessment of CARDIAC RISK as it relates to blood cholesterol levels for adults:

RELATIVE RISK TOTAL CHOLESTEROL

Very Low Risk 150

Low Risk 200

Average Risk 225

Moderate Risk 260

High Risk greater than 300

If a child or adolescent has at least one parent with a high cholesterol level (240 mg/dl or greater) his or her blood cholesterol level should be tested. For children and teens, a total cholesterol of 200 mg/dl or more is considered high, 170 to 199 borderline high, and less than 170 mg/dl acceptable.

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology