Total Cholesterol

A cholesterol test helps detect blood cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat that is required by your body for optimal functioning. High cholesterol levels lead to the build-up of fatty deposits or plaques in your arteries. This narrows down the arteries or blocks the blood vessels throughout your body, leading to atherosclerosis.

A Cholesterol test is a test that measures your blood cholesterol levels. It helps evaluate your heart health and the risk factors of developing cardiovascular ailments like stroke and heart disease.

Why is a cholesterol test prescribed?

A cholesterol test is prescribed as part of the cardiac risk assessment tests. Excessive cholesterol in your blood can cause damage to your arteries and blood vessels. This increases your risk of developing stroke, heart attack, and other heart diseases.

You may require a cholesterol test if you have one or more of the following risk factors:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Type-2 diabetes
• Excessive weight or obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• High saturated fat diet

Studies have reported that 25-30% of the urban population and 15-20% of the rural population in India have high cholesterol levels.

Other Names of Total Cholesterol

• Cholesterol Test
• Blood Cholesterol
• Fasting Cholesterol Test

What does the test measure and who is it prescribed for?

The cholesterol test measures the total blood cholesterol levels in your body. There are different types of cholesterol found in your blood. They are high-density lipoproteins, low-density lipoproteins, and very-low-density lipoproteins. This test measures the combined sum of all these cholesterol molecules. If you wish to test for individual measures of Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides, you will need to get a Lipid Profile test done.

The cholesterol test is prescribed for both genders above the age of 35 years. People with the following criteria need to get their cholesterol blood test done:

• For men who are above 45 years
• For women who are above 50-55 years
• High cholesterol levels in the previous test
• Prior heart ailments
• Overweight or obese
• Cigarette smoking
• Unhealthy diet
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Family history of heart disease at an early age (below 55 in men and below 65 in women)
• Diabetes or prediabetes
• Lack of physical activity

The cholesterol test requires you to give your blood sample for testing. You can either test for total cholesterol alone with this test or get a detailed picture of your lipid levels with the lipid profile test.

Test Preparation

The Cholesterol test takes a sample of your blood for testing. You will need to prepare yourself for the test as follows:

Before the test

This test requires you to fast for 10-12 hours before taking the test. Avoid all foods and beverages before the test.

During the test

It is a simple blood test that will get over in 5-10 minutes. You do not need to prepare for anything during the test in any way.

After the test

There are no restrictions after the cholesterol test. You can resume regular activity.

Test inclusions: What parameters are included?

The cholesterol test report measures the total cholesterol levels in your blood. If you want a full result of all types of cholesterol levels, you may need to opt for a Lipid Profile Test.

Cardiovascular diseases, Dyslipidaemia, Atherosclerosis

Cholesterol test results offer only a report of your blood cholesterol levels. This test does not give you a complete picture of your risk for developing heart ailments. You should have the levels of HDL and LDL cholesterol as well to evaluate your condition.  

The results of the cholesterol test indicate that you have high or low cholesterol levels, which can be related to an underlying health condition.

Low cholesterol levels indicate that you are at low risk for cardiovascular diseases. But your chances of developing cancer and haemorrhagic stroke increase.

High cholesterol levels indicate you are at high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

How frequently should you take the cholesterol test?

Your doctor may ask you to repeat the cholesterol test based on the following factors:

• You have high cholesterol levels and are on medicines for the same. Repeat every 3-4 months or when you change your medications.
• You have a risk of developing heart problems. Repeat the test every six months.
• You are at low risk of developing heart ailments and have normal blood cholesterol levels, then repeat the test every five years.

A cholesterol test is used in the diagnosis of potential health ailments before symptoms start manifesting. With the help of the cholesterol test results, you can determine your risk for developing cardiovascular diseases.

Based on your risk factors for heart problems, you may have to repeat the cholesterol test for screening.