Taking A Cholesterol Test: The Importance of Monitoring Your Cholesterol Levels
A cholesterol test can help determine if you have a high cholesterol level in your body. The results can help you make better decisions on how to maintain the desired level and avoid the risks associated with high levels of cholesterol. Depending on the type of test, blood is drawn from your finger and sent to a laboratory for analysis. The results of this test are typically available within a few days. The most common way to get a cholesterol test was at your doctor’s office, but now you can easily get them delivered to your home and reform them yourself. Most doctors recommend this type of screening for people starting at age 35 for men and at age 45 for women, even if you are fit and healthy.
Monitoring Your Cholesterol Levels
If you think you have very high cholesterol, your doctor will perform a blood test to confirm the results. However, if the results are abnormal, your doctor may order additional tests to rule out other potential medical problems. It’s also important to know that cholesterol levels are just one factor in cardiovascular health. In most cases, your GP or primary doctor will have a full understanding of your history and risk factors to determine if you’re at risk.
In the past, people had to fast for cholesterol tests. Today, this isn’t necessary. In fact, a simple at-home cholesterol test will give you a very comprehensive picture of your health. It will not affect the results if you’ve eaten, so avoiding food will not change the results. Just make sure you’re not eating anything too high in cholesterol.
If you’re unsure whether you need a cholesterol test, you should consult a physician before taking one. A doctor will be able to give you guidance on the investigations needed to assess your health problems, so you should make sure that the doctor is aware of your medical history before the test. A heart problem is a serious health problem, and a cholesterol test will show whether your cholesterol is too high or too low.
How To Lower Your Cholesterol Levels?
The best way to lower your cholesterol is to incorporate more vegetables and whole grains into your diet. Eating more greens will increase your HDL level, which is something you should be monitoring as well. The most beneficial greens are broccoli, spinach, kale, collards, mustard greens, and cauliflower. These vegetables are packed with antioxidants and contain soluble fibre. They also help to protect the arteries and thus facilitating blood flow.
Fruits and vegetables contain plenty of nutrients. Fish, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains are all great sources of nutrients and should be eaten daily. You can include at least five portions of fruit and vegetables in your diet each day. Dried, canned, or frozen fruits count as healthy sources of protein. And if you can’t live without dairy, try replacing it with lean red meat.
Unlike meat, dairy products are low in saturated fat. Plus, most fish contains omega-3 fatty acids, which promote heart health and lower LDL. You can include oily fish like salmon and mackerel in your meals – as long as you limit the amount you eat and combine it with healthy veggies. In addition to fish, you can eat other types of foods high in omega-3s, such as sunflower seeds, almonds, avocado.
Eating more fish is important for your heart and your muscles. Many types of fish have omega-3 fatty acids, which improve heart health and increase HDL levels. You can also try adding flax seeds or chia seeds to your Greek yoghurt or oatmeal.
Final Words
If members of your family are known to have heart problems and a high level of cholesterol, it is in your best interest to maintain those levels as low as possible and implement a healthy diet. A cholesterol test is not expensive, and it can help you monitor and maintain cholesterol levels at healthy levels. And the best part is that you can do it in the comfort of your home.