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Home cholesterol tests are about 95% accurate, although the accuracy of the results depends on whether the test was performed correctly
Home cholesterol tests are about 95% accurate, although the accuracy of the results depends on whether the test was performed correctly.
High cholesterol is often dubbed a silent killer, since it may not produce any symptoms but is estimated to cause 2.6 million deaths worldwide each year. Cholesterol tests are therefore useful in identifying whether you are at risk of heart diseases and determining which preventative measures you can take.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is produced naturally by the liver and plays an important role in the production of various hormones, vitamin D, and cell membranes in the body. Cholesterol in the blood exists in combination with protein, forming a lipoprotein. There are two types of lipoprotein:
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good” cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or “bad” cholesterol
An increase in LDL cholesterol raises the risk of heart disease. LDL gets deposited in the arteries and blocks blood flow, which increases the risk of blood clots and other health complications.
What is a cholesterol test?
Also known as lipid profile, a cholesterol test is a type of blood test that measures the amount of triglycerides and cholesterol in the bloodstream. The test measures:
- Total cholesterol levels
- HDL cholesterol
- LDL cholesterol
- Very LDL lipoprotein cholesterol
- Triglycerides
How is a cholesterol test done?
Before a cholesterol test, you will usually be advised to fast for at least 9-12 hours, although some tests may not require fasting.
Similar to a blood test, blood will be drawn from your arm, collected in a vial, and sent for testing. you may slightly faint or have some pain at the puncture site.
What do the results mean?
The United States and Europe have different measuring guidelines. In the United States, results are measured in mg/dL, whereas in European countries, they are measured in mmol/L.
Guidelines for interpreting test results are as follows:
Total cholesterol
- Below 200 mg/dL or 5.18 mmol/L: Desirable
- 200 to 239 mg/dL or 5.18 to 6.18 mmol/L: Borderline high
- 240 mg/dL and above or 6.18 mmol/L and above: High
LDL cholesterol
- Below 100 mg/dL or below 1.8 mmol/L: Best for people who are at a risk of coronary artery diseases (CAD) or have a history of diabetes (for people with or with a history of CAD, less than 70 mg/dL is desirable)
- 130 to 150 mg/dL or 3.4 to 4.1 mmol/L: Borderline high
- 160 to 189 mg/dL or 4.1 to 4.9 mmol/L: High (if no CAD; very high, if CAD is present)
- 190 mg/dL and above or above 4.9 mmol/L: Very high
LDL cholesterol
- Below 40 mg/dL or below 1 mmol/L: Poor (men)
- Below 50 mg/dL or below 1.3 mmol/L: Poor (women)
- 40 to 59 mg/dL or 1 to 1.5 mmol/L: Better (men)
- 50 to 59 mg/dL or 1.3 to 1.5 mmol/L: Better (women)
- 60 mg/dL and above or above 1.5 mmol/L: Best
Triglycerides
- Below 150 mg/dL or below 1.7 mmol/L: Desirable
- 150 to 199 mg/dL or 1.7 to 2.2 mmol/L: Borderline high
- 240 to 499 mg/dL or 2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L: High
- 500 mg/dL and above or above 5.6 mmol/L: Very high
Who should get a cholesterol test?
Healthy adults are advised to get a cholesterol test every 4-6 years. However, you should get testing done more often if you have the following risk factors for high cholesterol:
- Have a family history of high cholesterol and heart disease
- Have type II diabetes
- Are obese or overweight
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Eat a diet high in trans fat and sodium
- Have unhealthy habits such as smoking and excess alcohol consumption
If your results indicate high cholesterol levels, making lifestyle changes and getting proper treatment is important. Talk to your doctor about next steps.