Cholesterol Test

Table of contents

Cholesterol Test - what is it and how the test is done

Our body requires its fair share of carbohydrates, proteins, and fat to work properly. Each nutrient has its separate importance and works to provide the body with its required set of energy to work effortlessly. However, due to several reasons, the lipid (fat) stores might get a bit out of hand and start posing problems for the affected person. There could be increased levels of bad cholesterol in the body that could ultimately predispose the person to develop a wide range of secondary problems such as heart diseases, pancreatitis, diabetes, and so on. For this reason, a lipid profile is ordered for the person that helps determine the levels of all types of cholesterol in the body. A lipid profile is usually done with the help of a blood sample taken from the patient. A cholesterol or lipid profile consists of the following tests: - Total Cholesterol - Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) - High-Density Lipoproteins (HBL) - Triglycerides The results of these tests help to determine if the person has a deranged lipid profile or is at the risk of developing different diseases as a consequence of this deranged profile.

Common conditions covered by an HDL test

High Blood Pressure Diabetes Coronary Heart Disease Stroke Peripheral Vascular Disease Erectile Dysfunction

Where to get an LDL Test in Italy

Cholesterol Test at-Home and Self Tests

Cholesterol Test FAQs

Cholesterol is a common lipid/ fat substance that our body synthesizes and stores in varying densities. An average level of cholesterol is essential for healthy body functioning. However, excess cholesterol is a normal finding upon a blood test, often raised abnormally.

Too much calorie intake and a sedentary lifestyle can increase the deposition and storage of cholesterol in the body in the form of 'plaques' within the blood vessels (atherosclerosis). It is very harmful as it narrows the spaces within blood vessels for the blood to flow; therefore, blood supply is inadequate to the tissues leading to common signs of fatigue, breathlessness, and increased heart rate to compensate. A raised bad cholesterol can predispose a person to chronic heart and blood vessel diseases.

The lipid profile test is a selection of tests that assess the patient for diseases like coronary heart disease or as a preventive measure to check any risks depending on factors like eating habits, diet, stress, exercise and lifestyle related. This test may be ordered when a patient reports signs and symptoms of dyslipidemia.

This panel of tests is conducted on blood sample after fasting and assess four different parameters; Total cholesterol (Altogether the level of cholesterol in blood), LDLs (bad cholesterol), HDLs (Good cholesterol), and Triglycerides.

People who have deranged lipid profiles have multiple chronic conditions altogether. The management of cholesterol levels by proper therapy can help the overall health of the person and can significantly better treatment outcomes.

A Cholesterol Test in Italy costs on average 10 Euros. (information based on our data as of September 2022)