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Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) made by the body and is essential for good health. However, a high cholesterol level in the blood (hypercholesterolaemia) is associated with an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.
Why is high cholesterol a problem?
The main risk associated with cholesterol is cardiovasculardisease (CVD). This includes diseases of the heart and blood vessels. High cholesterol causes blood vessels to become narrowed with fatty deposits called plaques. This can result in heart attacks, strokes and blood vessel problems. |
Types of cholesterol
Cholesterol is transported around the body in the blood attached to a protein. This combination of fat and protein is called a lipoprotein.
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High density lipoproteins (HDL) - actually helps prevent cholesterol deposits building up in the arteries, hence why it is sometimes referred to as "good cholesterol"
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Low density lipoproteins (LDL) - causes cholesterol deposits to build up in the arteries, making it harder for the blood to flow through these blood vessels, hence why it is sometimes referred to as "bad cholesterol"
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Triglycerides - mostly come from fats in your food. Most triglycerides are stored in fat tissue although low levels are also found in the blood. They are carried in the blood as very low density lipoproteins (VLDL)
Diagnosis
Having a high cholesterol does not cause symptoms. Most people find out that they have high cholesterol when they have their blood cholesterol measured as part of a medical check-up. Alternatively, it may be identified after other health problems such as heart disease have been diagnosed.
We offer 2 types of cholesterol test:
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Total cholesterol
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HDL cholesterol
By measuring your total cholesterol, you will get a general idea of the total cholesterol levels in your blood. Measuring both total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol, you will get more information about both separate vales and therefore a more detailed and accurate reading.
Who should have a cholesterol test?
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Anyone who has any cardiovascular disease such as coronary heart disease, peripheral vascular disease (disease in the blood vessels that supply the limbs) or stroke should have their cholesterol measured by a doctor.
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Anyone with a family history of familial hypercholesterolaemia should have their cholesterol measured.
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Anyone aged 35 or over should consider having their cholesterol measured if they have one or more of the following risk factors for CVD; family history of early heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or if they smoke.
If you would like a blood cholesterol test or for more information on high cholesterol or how to change your lifestyle to reduce your cholesterol, please contact your local Swettenham Chemists.