CHOLESTEROL TEST

A cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile, measures the fats (lipids) in your blood. The measurements can indicate your risk of having a heart attack or other heart disease. The test typically includes measurements of:

• Total cholesterol. This is a sum of your blood’s cholesterol content. A high level can put you at increased risk of heart disease. Ideally, your total cholesterol should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L).
• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol. Too much of it in your blood causes the accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries (atherosclerosis), which reduces blood flow. These plaques sometimes rupture and lead to major heart and vascular problems. Ideally, your LDL cholesterol level should be less than 100 mg/dL, and under 70 mg/dL is even better!
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. This is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol because it helps carry away LDL cholesterol, keeping arteries open and your blood flowing more freely. Ideally, your HDL cholesterol level should be 60 mg/dL (1.6 mmol/L) or higher, though it’s common that HDL cholesterol is higher in women than men.
• Triglycerides. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood. High triglyceride levels usually mean you regularly eat more calories than you burn. High levels increase your risk of heart disease. Ideally, your triglyceride level should be less than 150 mg/dL (1.7 mmol/L). The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that a triglyceride level of 100 mg/dL (1.1 mmol/L) or lower is considered “optimal.” The AHA says this optimal level would improve your heart health.

C-reactive protein

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein your liver produces as part of your body’s response to injury or infection (inflammatory response).

CRP is a sign of inflammation somewhere in the body. However, CRP tests can’t pinpoint where in the body this may be happening. Inflammation plays a central role in the process of atherosclerosis, in which fatty deposits clog your arteries. Measuring CRP alone won’t tell your doctor your risk of heart disease. But factoring in CRP test results with other blood test results and risk factors for heart disease helps create an overall picture of your heart health.

According to the American Heart Association, your CRP test result can be interpreted as putting your heart disease risk at:

• Low risk (less than 1.0 milligrams per liter, or mg/L)
• Average risk (1.0 to 3.0 mg/L)
• High risk (above 3.0 mg/L)

The American Heart Association doesn’t yet recommend CRP screening for the general public — only those at known risk of heart disease.

Cholesterol-lowering statin medications will likely reduce LDL cholesterol and CRP levels and decrease your heart disease risk, but statins aren’t recommended solely to lower your CRP level. Talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your CRP level.

for more information on blood work and it’s advantages please visit: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/heart-disease/art-20049357?pg=1