Cholesterol Tests: An Informational Overview
Introduction
Cholesterol tests are medical diagnostic tools used to measure the levels of cholesterol and related fats (lipids) in the blood. These tests are important for evaluating heart health because abnormal cholesterol levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke.
What Cholesterol Tests Are
Cholesterol tests assess the quantity of different types of lipids circulating in the bloodstream. These commonly include total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) often called “bad” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) often called “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides, another type of blood fat. Together, these measurements help clinicians understand a person’s lipid profile.
How Tests Are Performed
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