CHOLESTEROL TESTING WITHIN THE CLINIC

WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?

Cholesterol is a soft, fat-like, waxy substance found in the bloodstream and all the body’s cells, and is produced naturally in the body. While the majority is produced in the liver, a small proportion is absorbed from food.

WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

Cholesterol is required to build and maintain cell membranes, aid the manufacture of bile, and to protect the skin. Many hormones in the body are derived from cholesterol, which include cortisol and aldosterone in the adrenal glands, and the sex hormones progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone.

ARTERIOSCLEROSIS

Arteriosclerosis can remain undetected for decades, and may only be discovered when it has reached a very advanced stage. It is one of the most significant and frequently occurring diseases of industrialised society, leading to circulatory problems. Heart attacks and arteriosclerosis combined represent almost 40% of all deaths in the industrialised world. Arteriosclerosis of the blood vessels surrounding the heart leads to a decrease in the blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in vessel blockage and potentially heart failure / attack. For this reason, detection of early symptoms is imperative in order for the appropriate prophylaxis (preventive measures) or treatment to be provided. Early detection principally involves the determination of risk factors. Nowadays, it is generally accepted that hypercholesterolemia in particular (an abnormally high level of cholesterol) is one of the most significant risk factors in Coronary Heart Disease (CHD).

WHAT DOES TESTING INVOLVE?

Cholesterol testing involves taking a small sample of blood taken from the finger using a finger stick.

HOW LONG DOES THE TESTING TAKE?

The test itself will only last a few minutes, the results are then produc ed whi ch can take approximately 20 minutes.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET THE RESULTS?

When the results are produced, if they show that your cholesterol is at a desired level, dietary advice will be given to maintain this. If the results show that your cholesterol level is over the desired amount ways in which this can be lowered will be discussed with you, in the form of dietary and / or life style changes or further treatment. As well as the results from the test, other factors including, high blood pressure, smoking, and a strong family history of diabetes, obesity and heart disease, will all be looked at when assessing your over all risk to arterial disease.

HOW OFTEN WILL I NEED TO BE TESTED?

The test should be carried out on all adults on average once every five years. The frequency of testing increases however, up to several times a year, in those that have been prescribed diet and/or drugs to lower their cholesterol. In this instance the testing is used to monitor the lowering of the cholesterol to the desired level.

Ten Tips for a Low-cholesterol Diet

• Eat a varied diet

• Avoid eating too much fat. Steam, boil or grill food rather than frying

• Use vegetable fat rather than animal fat. such as low-fat margarine instead of butter, and sunflower or corn oil for cooking

• Pay attention to hidden fats. contained in meat, cheese, nuts, etc

• Avoid food high in cholesterol, such as red meat and meat products

• Limit egg yolk consumption to 2-3 per week • Consume vegetables, salads whole grains and fruits every day • Limit your sugar intake. Chocolate, biscuits, cakes and other snacks not only contain sugar, but also a lot of hidden fat

• Season your food with herbs rather than salt

• Try to eat fish at least once or twice a week. Low-fat fish (fresh or frozen) such as cod, plaice and trout but also fish with higher fat levels such as salmon, herring or mackerel, contain unsaturated fatty adds which are essential, to good health.

• Drink lots of fluids, but cut down on alcohol or avoid it altogether This cholesterol test will enable you to assess quickly and easily, whether or not your cholesterol levels are within the normal range. You will then be able to take action to drastically reduce your personal risk of heart failure.

WHAT IS TESTED?

• Total Cholesterol

• HDL (Good Cholesterol)

• LDL (Bad Cholesterol)

• Triglycerides

• Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio Results are produced within 20 minutes and require a small sample of blood taken from the finger.