What is the LDL Cholesterol test?

Cholesterol-LDL stands for cholesterol-low density lipoprotein. An LDL is often referred to as bad cholesterol. Because high LDL results in a build-up of cholesterol in your arteries, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

 

If you have high levels of good cholesterol, called high-density lipoprotein (HDL), it might decrease your risk of developing heart disease. HDL helps to transport LDL cholesterol to your liver to be broken down, which helps avoid damage to your heart.

 

What are the other names for the LDL Cholesterol test? 

The other names are serum DLDL, and LDL-C test.

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What are the test parameters included in the LDL Cholesterol test?

There is only one parameter.

 

What does the LDL Cholesterol test measure?

A Cholesterol LDL test analyses the levels of cholesterol LDL in the blood. A low-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol in the blood. It mainly consists of cholesterol and similar substances, and a small amount of protein.

 

It is very important to monitor and maintain optimum levels of lipids to stay healthy. Intake of foods that are high in saturated fats and trans unsaturated fats may raise the levels of cholesterol in the blood. Extra cholesterol is deposited in plaques on the walls of blood vessels. It may result in atherosclerosis ( hardening of the arteries). It may also increase the risk of several other health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.

 

A Cholesterol-LDL test helps in determining the risk of heart disease in an individual. It also helps in planning out the treatment, considering known risk factors as well. Treatment might involve changes in lifestyle, such as diet and exercise, or lipid-lowering medications such as statins.  

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What’s the normal range of LDL Cholesterol test?

Who should get an LDL Cholesterol test? 

Reasons for LDL test:

• It is done as a part of routine health checkups.

• It is done as a part of the lipid profile along with cholesterol, triglycerides, and HDL.

• It can diagnose cases of heart disease.

• In cases of risk factors for heart disease like cigarette smoking, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or a family history of heart disease.

• It is done as a screening test for adults.

• In case a person is taking lipid-lowering medication.

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Is there any preparation needed for the LDL Cholesterol test?

No special preparation is required. Fasting is required for this test.

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What is the price of a LDL Cholesterol test?

What is the type of sample required? 

This test requires a blood sample.

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Who will perform the LDL Cholesterol test?

A healthcare provider, who is also called a phlebotomist, usually performs blood draws, including those for LDL cholesterol tests, but any healthcare provider trained in drawing blood can perform this task. Samples are sent to a lab where a medical laboratory scientist prepares the samples and performs the tests on analysers or manually.

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What should I expect during my LDL Cholesterol test?

You may expect to experience the following during the blood test or a blood draw:

• You have to sit comfortably on the chair, and a healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. It is an inner part of your arm on the other side of your elbow.

• Once the phlebotomist has located a vein, they will disinfect the area with an alcohol swab.

• They will insert a needle into your vein to draw a blood sample. They may feel like a small pinch.

• After they insert the needle, the required amount of blood is drawn into a test tube.

• When they have drawn enough blood for the test, they’ll remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the pricked site to stop any bleeding.

• They apply a band-aid over the pricked site, and the blood collection is finished.

This process takes less than five minutes. 

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What should I expect after my LDL Cholesterol test?

Once the phlebotomist has collected the blood sample, it will be sent to the laboratory for processing. When the reports are ready, your healthcare provider will share the results with you.

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What is the risk of the LDL Cholesterol test?

These blood tests are very common, and they don’t carry any significant risks. You can have a slight pain like an ant bite when the needle gets inserted, and a small bruise might develop there.

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When can I expect my LDL Cholesterol test results?

This report is available via email or WhatsApp within 6 hours after the collection of the blood sample.

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What do the results of the LDL Cholesterol test mean?

 

Interpreting test results

Cholesterol - LDL values are most commonly analysed in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL). Because high values of LDL may indicate a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, a low amount of LDL cholesterol is preferred. LDL values are categorised into the following segments:

LDL values are not interpreted alone, but rather as part of your overall health. Accordingly, cholesterol LDL results ranging between 70 mg/dL and 189 mg/dL can be considered high if you have diabetes, heart disease, a history of a stroke, poor circulation of blood to your legs, or other conditions.

Increasing physical activity, changing dietary habits, and medication might all be recommended to lower LDL cholesterol levels. Lowering LDL cholesterol might help to decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, or other cardiovascular conditions.

What are normal LDL Cholesterol test results?

Normal ranges might vary slightly among different laboratories. Some of the labs use different measurements or may test different samples. Speak to the doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

 

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Lipid profile, Lipoprotein (a) Apo A1, Apo B

 

How do I book a LDL Cholesterol test at home?

Log on to www.orangehealth.in and submit your details. Our highly trained, professional, and vaccinated eMedics will be at your doorstep within 60 minutes or at the time booked by you.