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Blood test information

Cholesterol Blood Test

Measures total blood lipid levels.

Result: 1 day Code: 82465
45 

Description of the blood Analysis: 

Total cholesterol is a measurement of the overall amount of cholesterol found in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for life; it is used to build cell membranes, produce hormones (like estrogen and testosterone), and create Vitamin D. While your liver produces most of the cholesterol you need, the rest comes from the foods you eat. However, having too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to serious cardiovascular issues.

What Does the Analysis Represent?

  • Goal: To assess the risk of developing plaque buildup in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and to evaluate overall cardiovascular health.
  • Main Application: Screening for heart disease risk, monitoring the effectiveness of lipid-lowering treatments (like statins), and evaluating the impact of lifestyle changes.
  • Biological Process: It represents the total sum of different lipoproteins carrying cholesterol through the blood, including HDL (“good”), LDL (“bad”), and VLDL.

Recommendations for the Test (General)

  • Fasting: Mandatory. You must fast for 9–12 hours before the blood draw. Consuming food can significantly alter the levels of related fats (triglycerides), which are used to calculate specific cholesterol components.
  • Diet: Maintain your normal diet in the days leading up to the test. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours prior.
  • Physical State: Avoid strenuous exercise immediately before the test, as it can temporarily shift lipid levels.
  • Material: Venous blood (serum).

What Can Affect the Results?

  • Recent Illness: Acute infections, heart attacks, or surgeries can temporarily lower cholesterol levels. It is best to wait at least 6 weeks after a major illness to test.
  • Pregnancy: Cholesterol levels rise naturally during pregnancy to support fetal development and should not be tested for risk assessment until at least 6 weeks postpartum.
  • Medications: Steroids, beta-blockers, and certain diuretics can increase cholesterol levels.
  • Body Position: Sitting or standing for a long time before the draw can slightly alter concentration.

When to Take the Test?

  • Routine Screening: Every 4–6 years for healthy adults, or more frequently if risk factors are present.
  • Risk Factors: High blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of early heart disease.
  • Monitoring: To check if dietary changes or medications are successfully lowering your levels.
  • Age: Pediatric guidelines often recommend a baseline screen between ages 9 and 11.

How to Interpret the Results?

Important: Cholesterol levels must be interpreted by a doctor as part of a full lipid profile and cardiovascular risk assessment. High Total Cholesterol: Indicates a higher potential risk for plaque buildup in the arteries. Interpretation: A doctor evaluates the ratio of HDL to LDL rather than just the total number.

Possible Further Investigations

  • Lipid Panel: To see the specific breakdown of LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides.
  • Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): A more modern test that counts the number of particles that cause plaque.
  • Lipoprotein(a): A genetic marker that can indicate high heart risk even if cholesterol seems normal.
  • High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): To check for inflammation in the blood vessels.
  • Carotid Ultrasound: To see if plaque has actually started forming in the arteries.

When Does the Next Step Make Sense? 

The next step is necessary if your total cholesterol is high or borderline high. Because high cholesterol has no symptoms (“the silent killer”), the blood test is the only way to know you are at risk. A physician will use your cholesterol numbers along with your age and blood pressure to calculate your “10-year cardiovascular risk score” before deciding if medication is necessary.

👉 If necessary, you can discuss the results of the analysis with a specialist, such as a Cardiologist (Doctors – TAMC), Endocrinologist (Doctors – TAMC)

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Tel Aviv Medical Clinic

Weizman st. 14, Tel Aviv, Israel

972-7337-46844

972-5233-73108

[email protected]

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