When is the Best Time to Check Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy substance contained in the blood. This substance is needed by the body to build healthy cells. However, when cholesterol levels are too high, this condition can actually endanger health.

High cholesterol can accumulate fat in the blood vessels which if left unchecked can trigger high blood pressure. The blockage is also at risk of bursting and causing a heart attack or stroke.

One of the most effective prevention is to regularly check your cholesterol, especially if you are overweight or have a medical condition related to high cholesterol.

When is the Best Time to Check Cholesterol?

According to Gabriela, cholesterol testing is recommended for individuals aged 20 years and over. If the first examination of cholesterol results is still within normal limits, then the examination can be done only once every five years.

However, if at the first examination the results are abnormal or high, then the individual is recommended to have cholesterol checks every six months or once a year.

Cholesterol check is done through a blood test. It is recommended that this check be done in the morning after an overnight fast. Blood is generally taken through a vein in the arm. The blood will then be measured in a laboratory to check its cholesterol content.

If the cholesterol result is less than 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) with the provisions of 200 mg/dl–239 mg/dl, it means that cholesterol is still considered normal. However, if cholesterol levels have reached 240 mg/dl and above, then that number is quite high and can interfere with health.

Tips for Maintaining Cholesterol Levels

There are some tips given by dr. Gabriela Florencia to keep cholesterol levels normal. First, you have to change your lifestyle and diet. The recommended diet is a diet that is high in fiber, low in trans fat and saturated fat. In addition, you also need to eat foods high in omega 3, reduce salt intake, and reduce alcohol consumption.

In addition to changing your diet, you also have to stop bad habits like smoking. Also make sure to exercise regularly and lose weight if you are overweight. If dietary changes still cannot control cholesterol, further treatment is needed, namely medical therapy. This therapy is a treatment by giving medicine to the patient.

Signs and Risks of High Cholesterol

There are two types of fat circulating in the blood, namely high density protein (HDL) or good fat and low density protein (LDL) or bad fat. HDL functions to transport lipids in the blood. When the amount of HDL is lower, of course the process can be hampered and cholesterol is higher. While an increase in LDL or bad fats can increase the risk of stroke, cancer, anxiety, depression, premature birth and low birth weight.

Gabriela also added that high cholesterol rarely shows symptoms. When symptoms do occur, these can include fatty deposits in the eye and neck area and lumps under the skin, such as the hands, feet or face. Therefore, it is important to check cholesterol regularly to prevent the negative effects of high cholesterol.