Cholesterol Disorders
Cholesterol is an essential fat that helps the body in producing new cells and hormones such as cortisol and estrogen. There are three basic forms of cholesterol- high density lipoproteins(HDL), low density lipoproteins (LDL) and very low- density lipoproteins (VLDL). LDL and VLDL are also referred to as the ‘bad cholesterol’ as they contribute to the formation of plaque in the blood vessels of the heart and cause heart disease. HDL or the ‘good cholesterol’ transports LDL and VLDL to the liver where it is broken down.
Risk factors
- Cigarette smoking
- Alcohol consumption
- Obesity
- Unhealthy diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Age (Men above 45 and women above 55 years)
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Family history of heart disease
- Pre-existing heart disease
- Medications such as thiazide diuretics, betablockers and corticosteroids
Diagnosis
Total cholesterol | Desirable | Borderline | High |
200 mg/dl | 200-239 mg/dl | 240 mg/dl and above |
LDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol | Range | Interpretation |
Below 70 mg/dl | Optimal for people with heart disease and diabetes. | |
Below 100 mg/dl | Optimal in case of heart disease. | |
100-129 mg/dl | High in patients with heart disease.
Optimal in patients without heart disease. |
|
130-159 mg/dl | High in case of heart disease.
Borderline in case without heart disease |
|
160-189 mg/dl | Very high in case of heart disease.
High in the case without heart disease. |
|
190 g/dl and above | Very high |
HDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol | Poor | Better | Best |
Below 40 mg/dl (Men)
Below 50 mg/dl (Women) |
50-59 mg/dl | 60 mg/dl and above |
Triglycerides
Triglycerides | Desirable | Borderline | High | Very high |
150 mg/dl | 150-199 mg/dl | 200-499 mg/dl | 500 mg/dl and above |
Tests for complications of hyperlipidemia
- Atherosclerosis: Narrowing of blood vessels due to the deposition of fat in the walls of the blood vessels obstructs the blood flow. This can be assessed with the help of angiogram, Doppler ultrasound.
- Heart disease: The tests for heart diseases include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), echocardiogram, stress test, chest x-ray, nuclear stress test, coronary angiography, and CT scan.
- Stroke: The tests for stroke include MRI/CT scan, electrocardiogram, cerebral angiogram, carotid ultrasound and blood tests.
- High blood pressure: This can be assessed using a sphygmomanometer
- Loss of sensation or numbness in the lower extremities: Sensory examination of the lower extremities would be helpful to assess loss of sensation or numbness.
Treatment of cholesterol disorders
Prevention
- Dietary modifications: Avoid intake of high-fat diet and trans-fats in daily meal. Intake of fruits and vegetables rich in fiber, whole grain foods, mono-saturated fats help to lower the bad cholesterol levels and increases the good cholesterol levels.
- Exercise: A regular exercise and physical fitness help in maintaining optimum cholesterol levels in the body.
- Early diagnosis: People with the risk of cardiac disorders are recommended for annual health check-ups for early detection and treatment of cholesterol disorders.
Why choose Apollo Diagnostics?
For appointments, please call 9205478479.
Reference
- Cholesterol. https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/cholesterol/tab/test/. Accessed on 25/10/2017
- High cholesterol. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350806. Accessed on 25/10/2017
- Cholesterol levels: Can it be low too? https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/expert-answers/cholesterol-level/faq-20057952. Accessed on 25/10/2017
- Stroke. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350119. Accessed on 25/10/2017
- Angina. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/angina/basics/tests-diagnosis/con-20031194. Accessed on 25/10/2017
- Arterioscleriosis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arteriosclerosis-atherosclerosis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350575. Accessed on 25/10/2017