Serum Cholesterol Level

Also known as Total Cholesterol level and usually is done as a part of Lipid Profile Blood test

Why test for Serum Cholesterol Level at Symbion VIP Diagnostics Ahmedabad ?

Serum Cholesterol Level is frequently checked along with Cholesterol; HDL Cholesterol; LDL Cholesterol; Direct LDL Cholesterol; VLDL Cholesterol; Lipid Profile; Cardiac Risk Assessment

You may need this test if you are at risk for CVD. Risk factors for CVD include:

• Advancing age
• Gender–men are at higher risk
• Family history
• High blood pressure
• Obesity and overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diabetes

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels is a great way to keep your heart healthy. It can lower your chances of getting heart disease or having a stroke.

But first, you have to know your cholesterol numbers.

The American Heart Association recommends All adults age 20 or older should have their cholesterol (and other risk factors) checked every four to six years. Work with your doctor to determine your risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Your test results will show your cholesterol levels in milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Your total cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol are among numerous factors your doctor can use to predict your lifetime or 10-year risk for a heart attack or stroke. Your doctor will also take other risk factors into account, such as age, family history, smoking and high blood pressure.

A complete cholesterol test, also called a lipoprotein or lipid profile, will give you results for your HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, triglycerides, and your total blood (or serum) cholesterol.

Total blood (or serum) cholesterol score:

This component of your test results is actually a composite of different measurements. Your total blood cholesterol score is calculated by adding your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, plus 20 percent of your triglyceride level.

Here again, “normal ranges” are less important than your overall cardiovascular risk. Like HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, your total blood cholesterol score should be considered in context with your other known risk factors.

Your doctor can recommend treatment approaches accordingly.

Some risk factors a doctor may consider when evaluating a serum cholesterol level include:

• the ratio of HDL to LDL cholesterol
• triglyceride levels
• obesity
• high blood pressure
• whether the person is a male aged 45 years or older
• whether the person has experienced menopause
• smoking or tobacco use
• family history
• type 2 diabetes
• lack of physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle
• a diet high in saturated and trans fats
• excessive alcohol consumption
• a diet very high in carbohydrates, especially when refined
• metabolic syndromes
• chronic inflammatory conditions

Complications associated with high serum cholesterol levels include:

• coronary artery disease
• stroke
• heart attack
• organ or tissue damage
• Less is known about how triglycerides impact health. However, people with high levels of triglycerides tend to be at risk for similar conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

There are two main types of cholesterol: LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol:

LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins. It is called the "bad" cholesterol because a high LDL level leads to a buildup of cholesterol in your arteries.
HDL stands for high-density lipoproteins. It is called the "good" cholesterol because it carries cholesterol from other parts of your body back to your liver. Your liver then removes the cholesterol from your body.

The following tips can help a person to reduce their levels of LDL cholesterol:

• eating fewer full-fat dairy products, such as whole milk, butter, cream, and cheeses
• eat fewer red meats, pork, lamb, and poultry with skin
• avoiding packaged, fast, and fried foods
• limiting the consumption of oils high in trans fats
• avoiding some tropical oils and butters, especially those derived from cocoa, coconuts, palm, and palm kernel
• eat fewer refined carbohydrates, such as those found in pastries, breads, crackers, and chips
• avoiding sugary foods and drinks, such as candies, chocolate bars, juices, prepared smoothies, sodas, and energy drinks
• losing weight or maintaining a healthy weight
• quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke
• reducing or avoiding alcohol consumption
• exercising regularly
• reducing or managing stress
• treating related medical conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure
• having planned meals
• snacking on fruits and vegetables, rather than unhealthful prepared foods
• Keeping a food diary can help a person to identify room for improvement and develop more healthful habits.

​The following activities can boost a person's levels of HDL cholesterol:

• using oils with fewer trans fats, such as those derived from olives, sunflowers, canola, and corn
• eating more whole fruits and vegetables
• eating more whole grains and cereals
• replacing meat with plant-based protein sources, such as walnuts, almonds, beans, tofu, seeds, quinoa, and whole grains
• eating skin-free poultry and fish such as salmon, trout, herring, and mackerel
• increasing the intake of dietary fiber, either by eating more leafy greens and whole grains or by taking supplements
• drinking low-fat milk or replacing milk with a dairy-free alternative
• getting regular exercise

The laboratory test results are NOT to be interpreted as results of a "stand-alone" test. The test results have to be interpreted after correlating with suitable clinical findings and additional supplemental tests/information. Your healthcare providers will explain the meaning of your tests results, based on the overall clinical scenario. For further information about these lab tests contact Symbion VIP Diagnostics pathology lab Ahmedabad at 09429410291