Cholesterol Testing: Everything You Need to Know

Η cholesterol test is essential for preventing cardiovascular disease. It is one of the most important steps in monitoring our health, as high cholesterol levels can lead to serious conditions such as heart diseases and strokes. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is crucial for preventing these diseases.

What is cholesterol?;

Η cholesterol is a fatty molecule found in the blood that is essential for cell function and hormone production. However, excessive cholesterol levels, especially “bad” cholesterol,” LDL cholesterol, can cause problems. The HDL cholesterol On the other hand, there is “good” cholesterol, which helps remove bad cholesterol from the blood.

When should I have my cholesterol tested?;

Η cholesterol test It is recommended to do this regularly, especially for:

• Individuals over the age of 20: Every 4-6 years, unless there is a history of cardiovascular disease.
• Individuals over the age of 40: Recommended more frequently, as cholesterol levels increase with age.
• Patients with risk factors: Individuals with a family history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or obesity.

How is a cholesterol test performed?;

The cholesterol test is simple and is performed by blood test. The patient must fast for at least 9-12 hours before the examination.

The results include the following values:

1. Total CholesterolIdeally below 200 mg/dL.
2. LDL (Bad Cholesterol)Ideally below 100 mg/dL.
3. HDL (Good Cholesterol)Ideally above 60 mg/dL.
4. TriglyceridesIdeally below 150 mg/dL.

What are the consequences of high cholesterol levels?;

High levels LDL cholesterol may lead to atherosclerosis, a condition where the walls of the arteries accumulate lipids, restricting blood flow. This increases the risk of:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Development of other cardiovascular problems

How to reduce bad cholesterol levels?;

Η cholesterol reduction requires a combination of diet, exercise and, in some cases, medication:

1. Change in diet: Reduce your intake of saturated fats and increase your intake of foods rich in fibre.
2. Exercise: Regular physical activity helps increase HDL and reduce LDL.
3. Weight lossIf you are overweight, losing weight can improve your cholesterol levels.
4. Medicines: In cases where diet and exercise are not enough, your doctor may prescribe medication to lower your cholesterol.

The EY Club Health Card and Cholesterol Testing

With the EY Club Health Card, you can benefit from:

• Discounts on cholesterol tests and other important medical services.
• Preferential prices at diagnostic centres for timely diagnosis and prevention.
• Easy access to specialist doctors to better address the consequences.

Η EY Club Health Card offers unique advantages for monitoring your health, ensuring care and prevention at exceptional prices.

Take a look at the free health check-ups for members and all Benefits of the EY Club Health Card, or Please get in touch with us on 2313 253 333.