WHY THIS TEST?
If you have too much cholesterol in your blood, it can combine with other substances in the blood to form plaque. Plaque sticks to the walls of your arteries. This buildup of plaque is known as atherosclerosis. It can lead to coronary artery disease, the narrowing and/or blocking of arteries.
WHAT IS CHOLESTEROL?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that's found in all the cells in your body. Your body needs some cholesterol to make hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest foods. Your body makes all the cholesterol it needs. Cholesterol is also found in foods from animal sources, such as egg yolks, meat, and cheese.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE HIGH CHOLESTEROL?
There are usually NO signs or symptoms that you have high cholesterol. This test measures your cholesterol level. When and how often you should get this test depends on your age, risk factors, and family history. The general recommendations are:
FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE AGE 19 OR YOUNGER:
The first test should be between ages 9 to 11
Children should have the test again every 5 years
Some children may have this test starting at age 2 if there is a family history of high blood cholesterol, heart attack, or stroke - WE CAN ONLY TEST AGE 18 AND OVER.
FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE AGE 20 OR OLDER:
Younger adults should have the test every 5 years
Men ages 45 to 65 and women ages 55 to 65 should have it every 1 to 2 years
OPTIONAL TEST - LIPID PANEL #7600
WHY THIS TEST?
Evaluate heart disease risk.
If a cholesterol measurement is to be performed along with triglycerides, but not part of a lipid panel, then the patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection. If the cholesterol is ordered as part of a lipid panel, then a fasting sample is not required.
This lipid panel with LDL/HDL ratio measures your Total Cholesterol, Triglyceride levels and HDL and LDL to help you evaluate if you are at risk for Heart Disease. Our Lipid Panel can help you have peace of mind or let you know if changes are needed to lifestyle, medicine or diet.
RECOMMENDED FOR:
People with a family history of heart disease
People diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes and/or on medication
TEST PREP:
If a cholesterol measurement is to be performed along with triglycerides, but not part of a lipid panel, then the patient should be fasting 9-12 hours prior to collection. If the cholesterol is ordered as part of a lipid panel, then a fasting sample is not required.
Lipid Panel, test #7600: Included: Total Cholesterol, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, LDL-Cholesterol (calculated), Cholesterol/HDL Ratio (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol (calculated)
Test Prep: Fasting Required. No food or beverage except water for 9-12 hours before testing.
