A healthy heart is the key to a healthy body. Keeping a watch on one’s heart health is important to ensure that the body stays in good health and active. Cholesterol is an important factor when it comes to heart health.
Cholesterol is also an essential part of the diet and cannot be completely avoided as it is important for the wear and tear of cells of the skin and organs. But keeping a watchful eye on the level of lipids in the body is crucial.
A lipid profile test helps in keeping a tab on the cholesterol levels in the body, which includes good and bad cholesterol, also known as HDL and LDL. Although one might not be able to avoid cholesterol altogether, having a healthy lifestyle, consuming healthy food and maintaining a stress-free lifestyle are important for the well-being of the body.
Risk Factors and Symptoms of Cholesterol Imbalance
Some people are more prone to cholesterol imbalance in their bodies than others. Those who are at high risk of developing cholesterol-related disorders are advised to keep regular tabs on their cholesterol levels. Below are some of the categories and patients who may fall in these categories must watch out for cholesterol imbalance risk:
- People with obesity
- People who regularly consume fatty foods such as red meat and high caloric diet
- People with existing diabetes condition
- People with first-degree family members who have cholesterol issues
- People with thick blood condition
These are some of the categories and people who pertain to this category often have a high risk when it comes to developing cholesterol imbalance in the body. Such patients should always keep an eye on their cholesterol levels by taking a lipid profile test every 6 to 8 months to take corrective measures at the earliest. Lipid profile price ranges from Rs 500 to Rs 1000.
Those who may have cholesterol issues already might have the following symptoms:
- Breathlessness
- Weight Gain
- Fatigue
- Lack or excessive appetite
- Chest Pains
- Heart Palpitations
- Excessive sweating
- Appearance of small skin tags on the body
Lipid Profile Tests
Conducting a Lipid profile test is the most accurate way to check for the cholesterol levels in the body. There are 4 kinds of cholesterol in the body, namely:
- HDL
High-Density Lipoproteins are the good fats that are essential for cell maintenance in all essential organs. HDL is required for the upkeep and maintenance of the cells in the heart and brain as well and is one of the most important constituents of food. The normal range should be higher than 60mg/dL.
- LDL
Low-Density Lipoproteins are not so great for the body. They accumulate under the muscle and become fat that one can visibly see and feel. LDL should be consumed in a minimal manner and is present in most kinds of oily, sugary and greasy foods. Normal Range is 100-150mg/dL.
- VLDL
Very Low-Density Lipoproteins are one of the biggest threats to the body as they can block arteries and veins and can cause obstruction in blood flow. It must be kept to the bare minimum. Normal range is below 100mg/dL.
- Triglycerides
Triglycerides are another type of cholesterol that has similar properties to LDL and must also be kept in check. The normal range should be below 150 mg/dL.
Very Low-Density Lipoproteins are one of the biggest threats to the body as they can block arteries and veins and can cause obstruction in blood flow. It must be kept to the bare minimum. Normal range is below 100mg/dL.
