Total Cholesterol Test in Mumbai

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat like-substance with steroid structure. It is synthesized in many types of tissue particularly  liver and intestinal wall and found in every cell of the body. Source of cholesterol is either newly synthesized or from dietary intake. Cholesterol is carried in the blood attached to the protein called lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol throughout the body. At times, LDL builds up in the arterial walls making the walls narrow and hard. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), transports excess cholesterol  back to the liver that’s why it is called as good cholesterol.

With changing lifestyles, the risk factors leading to heart attacks have also increased. One of these is high cholesterol levels in your blood. Although certain risk factors, including genetics and age, may cause high cholesterol, habits including smoking, unhealthy eating patterns, alcohol consumption, and leading a sedentary lifestyle may predispose you to develop the condition. To protect yourself from coronary artery disease and having a stroke or a heart attack, you should be aware of your cholesterol levels.

Read ahead to understand what is cholesterol and why is the total cholesterol test done.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a substance found in the blood and each cell of our body. It is a fat-like element that is waxy and has a steroid structure. Some cholesterol is required by our body to keep cells and organs functioning. Thus, our body synthesizes cholesterol in an array of tissues, particularly in the liver and the walls of our intestine. Apart from the newly synthesized cholesterol, there is a second source through which it enters our body. This is from the dietary intake. Let us understand the importance of the test.

Symptoms to consider for a Total Cholesterol Level Test

People with the following symptoms or conditions should do a total cholesterol level test

• Having a familial history of heart attacks
• Having a family history of high cholesterol
• Having diabetes
• Being overweight
• Having a sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking
• Following unhealthy eating habits

What other tests are ordered along with the total cholesterol test?

A lipid profile is ordered with the total cholesterol test. This include:

·         LDL Cholesterol

·         HDL Cholesterol

·         Triglycerides

In addition, the cardiac risk profile may also be ascertained by measuring:

·         High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation in the body)

·         Lipoprotein A, which is a protein carrying LDL in the blood (high levels of Lipoprotein A are correlated with plaque formation).

Written by: Dr.Shibani R, Medical Writer, Medical Affairs