Cholesterol Test

What Does the Cholesterol Test Measure?

The cholesterol test provides important information about your heart health by measuring:

• Total cholesterol: The overall sum of all cholesterol types in your blood.
• Risk assessment: Helps determine your likelihood of developing heart disease or stroke.
• Cardiovascular health: Evaluates the health of your heart and blood vessels.
• Treatment monitoring: Tracks the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering medications or lifestyle changes.

Cholesterol Test: Who Needs It and Why It's Done

What Symptoms May Call for a Cholesterol Test?

High cholesterol typically has no noticeable symptoms, which is why it's often called a 'silent' condition. However, your doctor may recommend this test if you experience symptoms related to cardiovascular problems:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath during normal activities
• Pain in your neck, jaw, or back
• Numbness or weakness in your arms or legs
• Fatigue or dizziness
• Small, waxy deposits of fat (xanthomas) on the skin, particularly around the eyes or hands

Who Should Get a Cholesterol Test?

Regular cholesterol testing is recommended for various groups of people to maintain heart health:

• All adults aged 20 or older: Should get tested at least once every 4-6 years.
• High-risk individuals: Those with a family history of high cholesterol or heart disease.
• People with existing conditions: Including high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney disease.
• Lifestyle factors: Individuals who are overweight, sedentary, smoke, or have poor dietary habits.
• Treatment monitoring: People already taking cholesterol-lowering medications.

Why Is a Cholesterol Test Done?

A cholesterol test is done to screen for high cholesterol levels before they cause serious health problems. It helps your doctor assess your cardiovascular risk and make informed decisions about prevention and treatment strategies.

Importance of a Cholesterol Test

The cholesterol test is a crucial preventive healthcare tool that helps protect your heart health. Since high cholesterol shows no symptoms, this blood test is often the only way to detect potential cardiovascular risks early.

By providing clear information about your cholesterol levels, the test enables your doctor to assess your risk for heart disease, guide appropriate treatment decisions, and monitor the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or medications. This early detection empowers you to take proactive steps to maintain a healthy heart and prevent serious complications like heart attacks or strokes.

Cholesterol Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book a Cholesterol Test?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Booking can be done through the Metropolis Healthcare App or website. Select 'Cholesterol Test', choose a convenient time slot, and provide your address for a blood test at home. You can also visit the nearest Metropolis Lab if you prefer to give the sample directly at the lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists ensure the timely collection of your sample while strictly following all safety and hygiene protocols.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Stay informed at every step. From collection to testing, you can track your sample directly through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is processed at our NABL & CAP accredited laboratories, where expert technicians ensure accurate results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your test reports promptly via email, WhatsApp, or by downloading them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare website or app.

Is Home Sample Collection for Cholesterol Test Available Near You?

Yes, Metropolis Healthcare offers seamless home sample collection for your cholesterol test, bringing healthcare convenience right to your doorstep. Our trained phlebotomists visit your home at your preferred time, ensuring safe and hygienic blood sample collection. It eliminates the need to travel to a lab, making it especially helpful when fasting for the test is required. With over 10,000 touchpoints nationwide, we make cardiovascular health screening convenient and accessible.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Cholesterol Test Report?

Reports are usually available within 4 hours once the sample reaches the lab.

Where Can I See or Get Cholesterol Test Results?

Test results from Metropolis Healthcare can be accessed through multiple convenient channels. You can log in to the Metropolis website using your credentials or use the Metropolis Healthcare App to view and download your reports. Additionally, test reports are sent via email or WhatsApp, and you also have the option to collect a physical copy directly from the lab.

Interpreting Cholesterol Test Results

What Your Cholesterol Test Results May Indicate

The following table shows the standard reference ranges for cholesterol levels and what different values might indicate for your health:

Conditions that May Affect Cholesterol Test Accuracy

Several factors can influence your cholesterol test results and should be discussed with your doctor:

• Not following the required 12- to 14-hour fasting period can lead to inaccurate results.
• Certain medications, including steroids, beta-blockers, and some diuretics, may affect results.
• Dehydration can concentrate blood substances, potentially altering cholesterol readings.
• Recent illness, infection, or surgery may temporarily change cholesterol levels.
• Pregnancy can naturally increase cholesterol levels.
• Liver or kidney disease may interfere with cholesterol metabolism and measurement.
• Thyroid disorders can significantly impact cholesterol levels.

How Is a Cholesterol Test Done?

The cholesterol test involves a simple blood collection procedure performed by trained healthcare professionals:

• You'll be seated comfortably, and the healthcare provider will clean the area on your arm with an antiseptic.
• An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
• A sterile needle is inserted into a vein, usually in your elbow area, to collect blood into a vial.
• Once sufficient blood is collected, the needle is removed, and a cotton ball or bandage is applied.
• Your blood sample is sent to the laboratory, where cholesterol levels are measured using specialised equipment.
• The laboratory analyses your sample and generates a detailed report with your cholesterol values.

How Should You Prepare for a Cholesterol Test?

Proper preparation ensures accurate test results and a smooth testing experience:

• Fasting required: Do not eat or drink anything except water for 12-14 hours before the test.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water during the fasting period to avoid dehydration.
• Avoid alcohol: Do not consume alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.
• Schedule wisely: Book your test for morning hours to complete fasting overnight while you sleep.
• Inform your doctor: Tell your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you're taking.
• Comfortable clothing: Wear clothes that allow easy access to your arms.

Diseases that a Cholesterol Test Can Help Detect

The cholesterol test is valuable for detecting and monitoring various cardiovascular and metabolic conditions:

• Hyperlipidaemia: Elevated levels of fats in the blood
• Atherosclerosis: Hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup
• Coronary artery disease: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle
• Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions including high cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar
• Familial hypercholesterolaemia: An inherited condition causing very high cholesterol levels.
• Cardiovascular disease risk: Overall assessment of heart attack and stroke probability.

Cholesterol Tests/Packages that You Can Book With Metropolis Healthcare

Here are comprehensive testing options available to assess your cardiovascular health:

Cholesterol Test Prices in Different Cities

The cholesterol test prices may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate prices in different cities.