LDL Cholestrol Direct Test

LDL is an abbreviation for low-density lipoprotein. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol is one of four different types. Lipoproteins are globe-shaped molecules containing lipids bound to unique proteins, apoproteins. Each constituent has a particular function of its own. The four classical types of lipoproteins found in blood are:

Each of them can be measured using a lipid panel. Still, a chol LDL direct test can only estimate the values of LDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is also termed "bad cholesterol" due to its highest cholesterol content. On the contrary, HDL cholesterol is termed "good cholesterol" due to its cholesterol-scavenging properties. Two primary reasons to term LDL is bad for health are:

• LDL concentration in blood is directly linked with the risk of a heart attack.
• LDL cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease, peripheral heart disease and cardiovascular diseases.

A chol LDL direct test aims to detect the LDLc levels and use them in health screening, monitoring and diagnosis. Screening with the help of a chol LDL direct test will allow the physicians to correlate the symptoms and prevent the condition, if any, from worsening. Earlier in the diagnosis, the better the chances of getting cured. Your doctor can also prescribe a chol LDL direct test at periodic intervals to assess the risk of cardiovascular disorders over time.

Recently, India has shown a rise in total cholesterol levels. It acts as a significant risk factor for heart disease. The prevalence of high LDL levels and low HDL levels is resulting in premature heart diseases. The optimal LDL for a person to live a healthy life is 100 mg/dL or less. However, immunity-deficient people, people with chronic diseases, diabetes or stroke should aim for an LDL less than 30 mg/dL.

Here are some lifestyle habits to maintain to control the rise in blood cholesterol:

• Reduce the intake of fatty foods.
• Reduce salt intake to less than 5 grams per day.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol.
• Exercise regularly, i.e. move your body for at least 30 minutes in a go.
• Treat your underlying conditions, like obesity and diabetes mellitus.
• Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Keep track of your blood pressure.

With all being said, The chol LDL direct test is used to diagnose coronary heart disease, risk of heart attack, peripheral heart diseases and stroke.

Other Names for Chol LDL Direct Test

• Cholesterol Low-Density Lipoprotein Test
• Direct LDL Cholesterol Test
• Measured LDL Cholesterol Test
• Direct Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Test

What Does the Chol LDL Direct Test Detect and Who is This Prescribed For?

The chol LDL direct test evaluates bad cholesterol levels in our blood. An LDL concentration of more than 130 mg/dL increases our risk of heart disorders. It is analysed based on a blood sample collected by the healthcare professional.

The chol LDL direct test assists assess the following:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart attack
• Peripheral heart disease
• Stroke
• Chronic kidney diseases

Your doctor will prescribe a chol LDL direct test if you are prone to certain risk factors, like:

Modifiable risk factors mean that you can control and modify them to change to a healthier lifestyle. On the other hand, non-modifiable risk factors cannot be controlled.

Although, desirable levels of LDL, according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, is less than 100 mg/dL to prevent heart attacks.

What is a good LDL direct level?

An excellent and desirable chol LDL direct test level is 100-129 mg/dL. You can achieve this by reducing the intake of fatty foods, avoiding smoking and alcohol and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Other factors to keep into consideration are:

• Reducing your salt intake to less than 5 grams per day.
• Exercising regularly: Move your body for at least 30 minutes in a go.
• Treating conditions like obesity and diabetes mellitus.

What is the fastest way to lower LDL cholesterol?

There is no magic to markedly decrease your LDL cholesterol levels, which rose in such an extended period. You can prevent your already high LDL from progressing any further by controlling the modifiable risk factors. They are:

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking
• Chronic alcoholism
• Inactive lifestyle
• Unhealthy diet
• Diabetes mellitus

By limiting and treating these risk factors, you can decrease your LDL cholesterol levels faster. If your chol LDL direct test reports are above 130 mg/dL, visit your general physician and seek medical care urgently.

What foods cause elevated LDL?

Avoid food products rich in saturated and trans fat. Here is a table demonstrating the food products to avoid and eat to prevent LDL elevation:

The chol LDL direct test results can help yield information about abnormal levels of LDL in adults and children.

The reports of chol LDL direct test will commonly reflect the LDL levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood. A higher than desirable level, i.e. more than 100 mg/dL, will make you susceptible to a risk of heart disease. Although, accurate interpretation is depicted as follows:

The chol LDL direct test results are based on analysing a blood sample collected from the arm's vein.

Test Preparation

1. Before the chol LDL direct test

• You need to fast for 8 to 12 hours before a chol LDL direct test for accurate test reports.
• You must not smoke or drink alcohol before the test.
• Avoid strenuous exercise.
• Closely follow your doctor's instructions regarding medications or herbal supplements to avoid them.

2. During the chol LDL direct test

A nurse or sample collector will use your arm's vein to collect the blood sample. Preferably, wear a short sleeve for convenience during sample collection.

3. After the chol LDL direct test

When done hygienically and according to protocol, the chol LDL direct test procedure poses no serious threats to an individual. There might be slight soreness due to needle insertion and lightheadedness.

Test Inclusions: What Parameters Are Included?

A chol LDL direct test includes one parameter, i.e. measuring low-density lipoprotein cholesterol or harmful cholesterol levels. It is a blood test based on the sample collected after an overnight or 8-12 hours fasting period. Chol LDL direct test reports vary with age and sex and lifestyle modifications.

Other related tests to further evaluate the cholesterol levels of the body are:

• Standard lipid panel test
• Total cholesterol test
• Non-HDL cholesterol test

How Frequently Should You Take a Chol LDL Direct Test?

Doctors will prescribe a chol LDL direct test if they suspect a history of high LDL levels or concerning signs and symptoms. It is not part of a routine cholesterol test. If your previous triglyceride test results were high, doctors would prescribe a chol LDL direct test.

Consult your healthcare professional or physician about the upcoming steps regarding follow-ups for treatments or therapies.

Coronary artery disease, Heart attack, Stroke, Peripheral heart disease