High Cholesterol
Lipids are substances in the blood that are related to cholesterol. They are a kind of fat found in certain foods and made by the liver. Life Line Screening offers the complete lipid panel screening, which measures 3 different kinds of lipids:
- LDL cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, carries about 65% of the cholesterol in blood. Known as the “bad” cholesterol, LDL can build up in the walls of the arteries that feed the heart and brain. Along with other substances, it can form plaque—a thick, hard deposit that can clog those arteries. When this happens, the condition is known as atherosclerosis.
- HDL cholesterol
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, carries about 30% of the cholesterol in blood. HDL is known as "good” cholesterol because it carries LDL away from the arteries and back to the liver, where it's passed from the body. A high HDL level helps prevent heart disease, while a low HDL level increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
- Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat. Like cholesterol, they circulate in blood but are stored in the body for extra energy. Triglyceride levels increase significantly after eating. A high triglyceride level combined with a low HDL or high LDL can speed up the process of plaque formation in the arteries.
The complete lipid panel screening also measures total cholesterol—the combined amount of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
Cholesterol guidelines
Our cholesterol screenings relate to the NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) recommendations.
| |
Total Cholesterol |
LDL Cholesterol |
HDL Cholesterol |
Tryglicerides |
|
|
| Less than 5.0 mmol/l |
Less than 3.0 mmol/l |
More than 1.0 mmol/l (men)
More than 1.2 mmol/l (women)
|
Less than 1.7 mmol/l
|
|
 |
It is recommended that a complete lipid panel screening (measuring total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides):
- Every 5 years in all adults starting at age 20
- Every 1 to 2 years in patients with cardiovascular disease or abnormal cholesterol levels
- Every 6 weeks in patients on medication to lower cholesterol until lipid goals are met and every 4 to 6 months thereafter