Heart attacks are one of the most common causes of death these days, and they can happen to any age group. On average, 57 thousand Australians suffer from a heart attack every year. Concerning? It should be! That is one heart attack in every single minute. Still not enough reason to worry about your heart for Cholesterol Tests? Here is why it is crucial to take an early cholesterol test.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol refers to a group of chemical compounds. A sterol is a kind of lipid, and cholesterol is one of them. All animal cells produce cholesterol, which is a crucial structural component of cell membranes. It is a yellowish crystalline solid when chemically separated. Your body requires cholesterol to produce vitamin D, hormones, and chemicals that help with digestion. Your body produces all of the cholesterol that it requires.
Cholesterol is derived from two different sources. All of the cholesterol you require is produced by your liver. Cholesterol blood tests can help you determine your cholesterol levels. The remaining cholesterol in your body originates from animal-based diets. Meat, poultry, and dairy items, for example, all include dietary cholesterol.
Importance of cholesterol in your body
The body requires a modest quantity of blood cholesterol to:
- Establish the structure of cell membranes.
- Produce hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, and adrenal hormones.
- Produce vitamin D in your body.
- Work as a building block for tissues.
- Assist in bile production of liver
You don’t need to consume cholesterol-containing foods. Your body can create all of the cholesterol it requires. Foods rich in saturated fats are frequently found in high-cholesterol foods. In a healthy diet, these items should be minimized. And you should take an early cholesterol blood test if you are feeling the symptoms of a heart attack.
Why should you have an early cholesterol test?
Early cholesterol blood tests are important because high cholesterol can lead to heart disease or a stroke. If identified early, treatment options can be initiated, which could prevent heart diseases in the future and reduce the risk of a heart attack.
It is recommended that you start taking a cholesterol test at age 20, and then again at age 35. Checking your cholesterol levels early is an important component of maintaining your health. High cholesterol increases the chances of severe heart disease or a stroke, which are two of the most basic causes of death in Australia. Knowing your cholesterol level early might assist you in maintaining health management and help you take further precautions.
What do your cholesterol levels indicate?
Cholesterol is required by your body to produce healthy cells, but excessive cholesterol levels might raise your risk of heart disease. If your cholesterol level is high then you might surely have fatty deposits in your blood vessels and these deposits slowly and steadily accumulate to a point where your blood flow gets restricted through your arteries.
Risks and diseases involved with cholesterol
Depending on which blood arteries are restricted or obstructed, high cholesterol raises the risk of various illnesses. The following are a few of these ailments:
- Stroke
- Type 2 diabetes
- Coronary heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Peripheral arterial disease
Ways to cut off your cholesterol levels naturally
If your cholesterol test indicates high cholesterol levels, then changing some of your lifestyle behaviours may assist in lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Here are some ideas:
- Reduce alcohol consumption and don’t binge drink.
- Losing body weight as being overweight can lead to excessive cholesterol levels.
- Keep your sugar levels in check if you have diabetes.
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
- Stop smoking or do it in minimal amounts.
What does a cholesterol test include?
In a comprehensive cholesterol blood test, four kinds of fats in your blood are calculated:
- Total cholesterol– this includes the test to determine the sum of the cholesterol content in your blood.
- Triglycerides– In the blood, triglycerides are a form of fat. When you eat, your body transforms excess calories into triglycerides, which are then deposited in fat cells.
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol– This is what is referred to as “bad” cholesterol. Too much LDL in your blood can lead to atherosclerosis, which is the formation of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries, hence reducing blood flow. These plaques can rupture, which could result in a heart attack or stroke.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol– This is known as the “good” cholesterol because it aids in the removal of LDL cholesterol, which allows arteries to stay open and that leads to the free flow of blood in the body.
So if you are getting symptoms of heartache or similar symptoms mentioned here, then it would be wise to go to a doctor and undergo a cholesterol blood test. An early cholesterol test can help you be more vigilant about your health and take proper steps before it’s too late.