Cholesterol Blood Test: Know Your Cholesterol Level

Cholesterol is essential for everybody. It is required by your body to execute critical functions such as hormonal production, vitamin D production, and cell formation. It is also produced and utilized by the liver in the production of bile, which aids in the digestion of meals. 

However too much of this essential fatty nutrient can lead to problems with the body’s cardiovascular system, including heart problems. That’s why getting tested with a cholesterol blood test is important, especially in older people and those more prone to heart disease and other issues.

What Is A Cholesterol Test?

A cholesterol test, sometimes referred to as lipid testing, is a type of blood test that may detect cholesterol levels in your blood. A lipid test may assist in determining your likelihood of acquiring fatty deposits in your arteries, which can result in restricted or clogged arteries in your body. 

For this reason, a cholesterol test is often associated with heart testing, since blood cholesterol levels can give an indication of heart health and cardiovascular strength.

Here’s everything you should know about the normal level of cholesterol in our body, ranging from children to adults.

Children’s Normal Cholesterol Level

Several health conditions might expose a youngster to developing high cholesterol. Youngsters who are fit and healthy, and don’t acquire any of those aforementioned risks are unlikely to acquire high cholesterol levels. The following are the typical cholesterol levels for teenagers and children (aged 19 and under):

• Less than 170 mg/dL total cholesterol levels in the blood
• LDL cholesterol should be less than 110 mg/dL.
• HDL cholesterol level: more than 45 mg/dL

Remember that every youngster must have their cholesterol examined through a cholesterol blood test between the ages of 9 and 11, and then around the ages of 17 and 21.

Women’s Normal Cholesterol Levels

Till menopausal, women often have lower cholesterol levels than males. Women’s LDL levels frequently increase after menopause, while their HDL levels fall. The following are the typical cholesterol readings for women (aged 20 and up):

• Total cholesterol levels range from 125 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL.
• LDL cholesterol: fewer than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: 50 mg/dL or more

Men’s Normal Cholesterol Levels

Men, like adolescents, may have their cholesterol levels affected by risk factors such as nutrition, heredity, and activity. The following are the typical lipid readings for males (aged 20 and up):

• Total lipid levels range from 125 mg/dL to 200 mg/dL.
• LDL cholesterol: fewer than 100 mg/dL
• HDL cholesterol: 40 mg/dL or more

How Is the Cholesterol Blood Test Done?

There are 2 main ways you can get an accurate cholesterol level test, a home test kit, or an appointment at a local clinic or health center.

If you attend a clinic for your test, a medical care expert will use a tiny needle to draw blood from a vein in the arm. Following needle insertion, a small quantity of blood will be gathered in a vial. When the needle comes in or out, you might notice a little pain but nothing major. The whole process is very quick and simple and usually takes about 5 minutes.

You may also measure your cholesterol at home with an at-home kit. Whilst instructions may differ based on the brands, your package will usually contain a tool to prick your finger. This same tool is also used to gather the blood sample for analysis. This normally takes around five minutes and can be performed by anyone.

Conclusion

High cholesterol may result in serious cardiac disorders such as heart attack, stroke and general threat to life. You must think about taking efforts to lower your lipid levels and lessen your chances of these life threatening diseases. Keeping an active way of living, such as exercising and eating a balanced diet, is also essential.