Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance produced by the liver. It is necessary for the creation of cell membranes, vitamin D, and other hormones. Cholesterol cannot circulate independently through your body, since it does not dissolve in water. Can I get cholesterol testing near me in Bebington? Continue reading to find out.

Does high cholesterol have symptoms?

When there is too much of the fatty molecule known as cholesterol in your blood, you have high cholesterol.

It is primarily brought on by consuming fatty foods, failing to exercise regularly, being overweight, smoking, and drinking alcohol. Moreover, it can run in families.

By consuming a healthy diet and increasing your physical activity, you can lower your cholesterol. However, some people also require medication. Your blood arteries may become clogged by too much cholesterol. As a result, this increases your risk of developing heart issues or having a stroke.

High cholesterol does not show any symptoms. Therefore, a blood test is the only method to find out if your cholesterol is too high. Along with other simple tests like a blood pressure check, BMI measurement, and waist measurement, getting your cholesterol examined will help you understand your heart health. They will also determine whether you need medication or to make any lifestyle adjustments.

Cholesterol testing near me in Bebington

What test is used for checking cholesterol?

There are no signs of elevated cholesterol. You can only find out if you have it by a blood test. Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest taking a test if they think your cholesterol level might be high.

This could be caused by your age, weight, or another medical issue (like high blood pressure or diabetes).

Cholesterol testing

The Cholesterol Profile test costs £29. There are 2 methods for getting your cholesterol checked. These are:

– Taking blood from your arm

A needle will often be used to take some blood from your arm. This is sent to a laboratory to determine your cholesterol level. In a few days, the outcomes should be available.

You could be told to fast for up to 12 hours prior to the exam. However, this is not always essential.

– Finger-prick test

If you’re over 40, you can get a test during your NHS Health Check. Pharmacies additionally provide this test.

This examination might help in spotting the early signs of illnesses, including diabetes and heart disease. A finger prick can be used to conduct this test. A blood sample is placed on a piece of paper, and it is then placed into a machine that swiftly calculates your cholesterol.

What is a healthy cholesterol level by age?

Cholesterol levels change with age, weight, and sex. Your total cholesterol level is the sum of all the cholesterol in your blood. It contains:

– Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs)
– High-density lipoproteins (HDLs)
– Triglycerides

Cholesterol is measured in millimoles per litre (mmol/L) in the U.K. This gives it a much smaller number.

People younger than 19 years of age

– Total cholesterol: Less than 170 mg/dL
– LDL: Less than 120 mg/dL
– HDL: Less than 100 mg/dL
– Non-HDL: More than 45 mg/dL

Men older than 20 years of age

– Total cholesterol: 125-200 mg/dL
– LDL: Less than 130 mg/dL
– HDL: Less than 100 mg/dL
– Non-HDL: 40 mg/dL or more

Women older than 20 years of age

– Total cholesterol: 125-200 mg/dL
– LDL: Less than 130 mg/dL
– HDL: Less than 100 mg/dL
– Non-HDL: 50 mg/dL or more

Can I get a cholesterol testing kit near me for home use?

For those who prefer to check their cholesterol levels independently, home testing kits are available. There are several at-home cholesterol test kits that provide a straightforward and useful option.

You can purchase a cholesterol home test kit at your local pharmacy or medical supply store. They are often affordable. The typical cholesterol home test kit contains test strips and a lancet for drawing blood.

How can you reduce symptoms of high cholesterol?

Try to minimise your intake of fatty meals, especially those that contain saturated fat, to lower your cholesterol.

Foods high in unsaturated fat, a healthier type of fat, are nevertheless permissible to eat. To find out the type of fat that is present, read the food labels.

Try to eat more:

– Fruits and vegetables
– Nuts and seeds
– Brown rice, bread, and pasta
– Oily fish, like mackerel and salmon
– Brown rice, bread, and pasta

Try to eat less:

– Cream and hard cheese, like cheddar
– Butter, lard, and ghee
– Food that contains coconut oil or palm oil
– Meat pies, sausages, and fatty meat
– Cakes and biscuits

Get in touch with us today to learn more and get cholesterol testing near you in Bebington.

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This blog post was written on behalf of The Pharmacy Bebington by Pharmacy Mentor.