A cholesterol test is a blood test that can determine your heart health. The test is designed to break down the results of your cholesterol levels and will highlight whether or not they are a cause for concern. Here is what you should know about a cholesterol test and why it may be important for your health in the long run.
Why Would You Get a Cholesterol Test?
Anyone can be at risk of high cholesterol levels which can be a serious health risk. This can lead to poor heart health which increases your risk of heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and many other cardiovascular issues.
High cholesterol can be genetic, if you have family members who have a history of heart problems it can be beneficial to take a cholesterol test to prevent yourself from suffering from the same issues.
Even if you are young, fit, and healthy you may still be at risk of high cholesterol and be unaware. Taking a cholesterol test will be able to show you a clear report of your heart health.
How Do You Get a Cholesterol Test?
You may be instructed to have your heart checked by a GP or another medical professional if there is a cause for concern, or to simply rule out cardiovascular health issues. However, now it is more convenient than ever to have your heart health checked by purchasing a cholesterol test kit online, to carry out at home.
The test can be purchased online, regardless of whether you suffer from poor heart health, or you are simply taking precaution. There will be instructions and guidance on how to carry out the test, which is usually a finger-prick blood test. The blood can be put in a container provided, posted to a lab and you will receive your results in report format.
What Are the Symptoms of High Cholesterol?
Unfortunately, high cholesterol does not present itself through symptoms. You will only be aware of the issue if you take a blood test and have it examined in a laboratory.
This is an issue as high cholesterol often goes unnoticed for long periods of time, and can build up, increasing your risks of cardiovascular diseases.
Due to this, it is encouraged that you have your heart health tested and checked regardless of your age or fitness ability.
What Can You Do to Maintain Healthy Cholesterol Levels?
Luckily, there are lifestyle changes and habits that you can implement to your daily routine that can ensure you are decreasing your risk of high cholesterol levels. This may include:
- At least 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times per week
- Decrease your consumption of saturated fats
- Fill your diet with fruit, vegetables, and omega 3
- Decrease alcohol consumption
- Don’t smoke
Final Words
Taking a cholesterol test can prevent cardiovascular health issues from arising. It is a health precaution that everyone should be encouraged to take at some point, to have an idea of the condition that your heart is in. If the test shows no concerns, you can still implement or continue healthy lifestyle habits to keep it this way. If it shows a cause for concern, you can call your GP for medical advice, and they can instruct on the next steps. Usually, you will have your levels checked more often (on NHS) which is a positive way of ensuring you are keeping an eye on your heart health.