Cholesterol as a vital building block of the body
A quarter of cholesterol is absorbed through the diet. The major part of fats (lipids) is the human organism itself. Especially the liver is involved in the production of cholesterol as a building block for hormones, bile acid and cell walls. In addition to the total cholesterol, a distinction is made between the forms HDL and LDL, which consist of cholesterol, protein (protein) and fat molecules. They are called lipoproteins.
An increase in cholesterol levels leads to a calcification of the blood vessels (arteriosclerosis), which may result in a heart attack, stroke, circulatory disorders of the legs and brain. To that riskTo determine an arteriosclerosis, the doctor checks the cholesterol level in the blood. These laboratory medical values ​​can be subject to daily and seasonal fluctuations. They should always be seen in conjunction with other values, such as blood sugar levels or blood lipids. The evaluation of cholesterol levels over a period of time is also important.
A balanced and low-cholesterol diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids (olive oil, fish), plenty of fresh vegetables, enough exercise, a reduction in body weight, the avoidance of nicotine and alcohol can prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering cholesterol levels. One of the healthiest diets related to cholesterol worldwide is the Mediterranean Diet.

The cholesterol value

Compared to total cholesterol, the determination of HDL and LDL is more meaningful. HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol) transports excess cholesterol from the blood vessels back to the liver. Here, a conversion into bile acid and the elimination of bile occurs. This repatriation is vital to the body. The function of the HDL is thought to have a protective effect on the blood vessels and keeps the cholesterol metabolism in balance.
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) is colloquially referred to as „bad cholesterol“. It is responsible for the transport of essential cholesterol from the liver into the various body tissues. If there is too much LDL in the blood, it can lead to deposits of so-called plaques on the vessel walls, which in addition to inflammatory cells also contain fats. If there are cracks in the plaque surface, the area is immediately closed by the platelets (thrombocytes). A heart attack occurs when there is a complete occlusion of the coronary arteries.
An increase in cholesterol levels can occur in diabetes, obesity, specific liver disease and hypofunction of the thyroid gland. In rare cases, the cause is congenital disorders of lipid metabolism.
If there is severe liver damage, malnutrition or overactive thyroid, the cholesterol level is lowered.

Of the cholesterol test
200 mg / dl should not exceed the total cholesterol in the blood. For the HDL apply over 40 mg / dl. If the value is below this standard range, an increased risk of arteriosclerosis must be assumed. Up to 160 mg / dl is considered normal for the LDL.
On cholesterol test can be done easily, without a doctor’s appointment and at any time at home. The examination requires blood from the fingertip. The sampling point must first be disinfected. The puncture is a lancet. The blood should come out of the puncture site by itself so as not to falsify the measurement results.
For the measurement, disposable test strips are used. The so-called cassette test, for example the NanoRepro Cholesterol Check Quick Test, determines the value within 5 minutes. Studies have shown that the simple blood test proves to be 99 percent correct.
To determine the cardiovascular parameters Medivere offers a product with a test kit for sampling. The price includes a laboratory examination followed by a test report. The results of the accredited laboratory will be sent by mail or by mail within one week.
Measuring devices usually require batteries or batteries, They are handy and can be used mobile. Devices from Roche, Prima Home Comparison and Mission combine the determination of blood lipids and blood sugar with cholesterol. The measuring devices are offered complete with accessories in a practical bag. The range of the measurement results lies between 25 and 500 mg / dl. The products differ only in their display and accuracy.
The purchase of a measuring device depends on whether regular monitoring of cholesterol is required. If you only want to get an occasional overview, you can fall back on a quick test.