The total cholesterol is defined by the sum of the HDL, LDL and VLDL in the human blood stream cells. The normal LDL level should range from 60 to 130 with an expectation of the LDL count below 100 or lower in those who have higher risk of heart disease. On the other hand the HDL is expected to range between 29 and 72 having an optimal range of 45 to 85.
The specimen required for cholesterol/lipid panel test is the patient’s blood. The patient is required to fast, with the exception of water, for 12 hours before the test is conducted which aids in the elimination of fats recently ingested. Nevertheless, patients have differ biologically, therefore some can be permitted to take essential medicines thru the not eat period, i.e. so long as the drugs do not affect the outcomes of the test. It's vital for the patient to indicate if he/she is presently using any herbal supplements or vitamins.
There is a variety of factors that can affect a patient’s cholesterol level which include an individual’s diet, i.e. food with high fat saturation increase cholesterol levels. One’s weight also affects cholesterol levels, where being overweight the levels of cholesterol. Additionally, exercise routines aid in lowering the levels, and lastly age and gender matter in that as one gets old the levels rise. Other factors entail diabetes and hereditary genes.
HDL stands for the abbreviation High Density lipoprotein which is can also refer to good cholesterol form which aids in the prevention against heart disease. It helps remove excessive lipid deposits from the blood vessel arteries; therefore it is good to have high levels of HDL.
LDL stands for the abbreviation Low Density lipoprotein. In other words it can be referred to as bad cholesterol, and is responsible for the transportation of different and multiple fat molecules in the human being blood stream. High levels of it can lead to cardiovascular health problems.
References
Fischbach, F. T., & Dunning, M. B. (2009). A manual of laboratory and diagnostic tests. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Daniels, R. (2010). Delmar's guide to laboratory and diagnostic tests. Clifton Park, NY: Delmar/Cengage Learning.
Office of Technology Assessment. (1988). Medical testing and health insurance. Summary. Washington, D.C.
Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. (2009). Diagnostic tests made incredibly easy!. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
