Cholesterol Screening Test-Purpose and Reasons

Until a decade ago, cancer was the only dreaded c-word in the world of Healthcare, but in recent times, another c-word is hogging the limelight: Cholesterol.

Not many people know that cholesterol is found abundantly in nature. A wax-like substance, cholesterol is fat material that is found in certain foods such as milk, butter, cream, cheese, eggs, and abundantly, in all kinds of meats. When these foods are consumed, the cholesterol in them gets ingested into the human body. Incidentally, the human body also manufactures cholesterol as it’s required to create hormones and other compounds required for good health.

The ticking bomb within begins to tick, when the cholesterol in the body exceeds a certain level. Cholesterol accumulates in the arterial passages, lining the inner walls layer by layer,consequently narrowing the arterial space, through which the blood flows, in other words forming a blockage,and triggering that first heart attack.

That is why, a cholesterol screening test is a must. Unlike other tests which are carried out to observe a particular ailment or its symptoms, a cholesterol test is a purely preventive measure executed to estimate the risk of a heart attack.

Moreover, the lifestyles of the human population in the yester years, in comparison to the last five decades, have had tremendous changes, and hence why it is important to regularly have a cholesterol screening test.

Lifestyle Changes that necessitates a Cholesterol Screening Test

• Increased consumption of junk food or processed foods that are rich in trans-fats and saturated fats,when ingested become a leading cause for build-up of bad cholesterol
• People who smoke, despite the anti-smoking campaigns are at risk. Smoking lowers HDL or good cholesterol levels which help flush out the LDL or bad cholesterol - the number one culprit behind heart attacks
• More women are using birth control pills than before, and these are known to increase cholesterol levels
• Various drugs that are used to treat different ailments have a tendency to increase cholesterol levels
• Excessive consumption of red meat vis-à-vis vegetables and fruits, also adds to increased bad cholesterol levels
• A sedentary lifestyle or desk job reduces the rate at which cholesterol is burned and flushed out from the body, whereupon cholesterol accumulation, begins
• Genetic factors: Obesity can be inherited; and obese or overweight people are always at a risk, as obese people are more prone to have high levels of ‘bad’ Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a silent killer and as it stealthy augments over time, you don’t know it is lurking within, just waiting to strike. Apart from simple fatigue, no other visible symptoms herald its devastating intentions. That is why, increasingly, doctors and medical insurance companies are mandating a cholesterol test for everybody, including children. Even children are at risk like adults due to the reasons, discussed earlier.Cholesterol screening is a simple test conducted by drawing a vial of one’s blood under specific conditions. Fasting as well as postprandial blood is tested to detect the cholesterol levels. However, under certain circumstance the results will not be accurate when:

• You have had a major illness, surgery, accident in the last 3 months
• You are pregnant
• Your medication contains epinephrine, beta-blockers, steroids, oral contraceptives, or vitamin D supplements

Meridian Medical Group has been at the forefront of affordable and comprehensive Healthcare services, and is very prominent, in the Bay Area. We offer various pathological tests such as cholesterol and diabetes screening tests, diagnostic and surgical services, and consultation for virtually any ailment known today. We have flexible working hours and give you the luxury of same day appointments. Our labs provide quick and efficient services,so your cholesterol screening test will be just that, quick and hassle-free!