Getting regular cholesterol tests is one of the best and easiest ways to keep a check on your heart health. Detecting high cholesterol early can help prevent future coronary disease which, if left undetected or untreated, can lead to life-threatening events such as heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol blood tests are a reliable parameter to measure the levels of cholesterol in your body. Booking a cholesterol test is very simple at Intrigue Health pharmacy in Longfield. If you wish to book a cholesterol blood test, just click here to make an appointment.
In this article, you’ll learn about the importance of regular cholesterol testing for heart health.
What Is a Cholesterol Blood Test?
A complete cholesterol blood test (aka a lipid panel or lipid profile) is a blood test that measures the number of triglycerides and cholesterol in your bloodstream. Simply put, it measures the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries that can later lead to narrowed or blocked arteries in your body.
A complete cholesterol blood test measures four types of fats in your bloodstream:
- Total cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (bad cholesterol)
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (good cholesterol)
- Triglycerides.
Who Should Get a Cholesterol Test?
The NHS recommends that women aged 55 to 65 and men aged 45 to 65 take a cholesterol test every 1 to 2 years. Seniors 65 and over should take the test every year.
You should test your cholesterol levels early if you:
- Have a heredity factor for high cholesterol or heart attacks.
- Are overweight.
- Are physically inactive.
- Have diabetes.
- Eat an unhealthy diet.
- Smoke cigarettes.
If you already have high cholesterol and are undergoing treatment and are making life changes such as exercising, eating healthy, and reducing stress – then you want to know if all your hard work is paying off. Regular cholesterol testing can help you monitor your progress.
Intrigue Health is here to assist you on your journey to good health and wellness. Keep your body and heart healthy with regular cholesterol blood tests at any of our South London pharmacies.
Schedule your appointment today with us.
