By medical definition, is LDL low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly called "bad" cholesterol. High LDL levels are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, and therefore become the focus for many doctors and their patients. LDL testing is often the first step in determining whether a person is at risk of developing heart disease, the levels of LDL and are often the main goal of dietary cholesterol.
Often as part of a routine physical examination, a lipid profile may be ordered, which includes testing LDL. An LDL test is a blood test that measures the amount of low-density lipoprotein in blood serum. Although LDL testing is a simple blood test, 12 hours of fasting is sometimes necessary, and certain medications may need to be stopped for a short time before the test. A doctor will determine the necessary preparations for LDL tests based on the individual patient.
Because doctors have determined that the levels of LDL, rather than total cholesterol levels, are the best indicators of risk of heart disease and stroke, LDL test is important. Elevated levels of LDL increases the risk and, often, diet alone can lower them. Most of the cholesterol-lowering diets are easy to follow and require avoiding certain foods.
These foods are high in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids should be avoided in diet to reduce the levels of LDL. Saturated fats are found in non-fat milk and milk products such as cheese and cream, and are also found in meat and poultry. The meat must be consumed in smaller portions and baked, not fried. Substitution of fish, lean meats and eat meals twice a week can help lower levels of LDL cholesterol. A cholesterol-lowering diet should also include fruits, vegetables, and soluble fiber, which is found in oats, barley and other grains, and nuts and legumes.
When diet alone can not effectively reach a patient targeted cholesterol, medicines to lower cholesterol is prescribed. Many drugs are available which produce different results, so talk to your doctor about the monitoring of cholesterol levels, especially if you are already at risk because of diabetes, smoking or hypertension.
Often as part of a routine physical examination, a lipid profile may be ordered, which includes testing LDL. An LDL test is a blood test that measures the amount of low-density lipoprotein in blood serum. Although LDL testing is a simple blood test, 12 hours of fasting is sometimes necessary, and certain medications may need to be stopped for a short time before the test. A doctor will determine the necessary preparations for LDL tests based on the individual patient.
Because doctors have determined that the levels of LDL, rather than total cholesterol levels, are the best indicators of risk of heart disease and stroke, LDL test is important. Elevated levels of LDL increases the risk and, often, diet alone can lower them. Most of the cholesterol-lowering diets are easy to follow and require avoiding certain foods.
These foods are high in saturated fats and trans-fatty acids should be avoided in diet to reduce the levels of LDL. Saturated fats are found in non-fat milk and milk products such as cheese and cream, and are also found in meat and poultry. The meat must be consumed in smaller portions and baked, not fried. Substitution of fish, lean meats and eat meals twice a week can help lower levels of LDL cholesterol. A cholesterol-lowering diet should also include fruits, vegetables, and soluble fiber, which is found in oats, barley and other grains, and nuts and legumes.
When diet alone can not effectively reach a patient targeted cholesterol, medicines to lower cholesterol is prescribed. Many drugs are available which produce different results, so talk to your doctor about the monitoring of cholesterol levels, especially if you are already at risk because of diabetes, smoking or hypertension.
