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Your total cholesterol test results can help Filipinos, and your cardiology doctor in the Philippines understands your risk for heart disease and stroke. Here’s what Filipinos need to know about this important test. A total cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the level of cholesterol in your body. Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your blood.
So you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels. You should be! Cholesterol is a key component of our cell membranes, and it’s important to keep them healthy. But how do we know if our cholesterol is too high or low?
What Is Serum Total Cholesterol Test?
A serum total cholesterol test measures the amount of cholesterol in the blood. All of the cells in your body contain cholesterol, a waxy, fatty-like substance. Aside from being produced by your liver, foods like meat and dairy include cholesterol. For your body to function properly, it needs some cholesterol. However, you have an increased risk of developing coronary artery disease if your blood cholesterol level is too high.
If you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels, a total cholesterol test is a good place to start.
How Do We Calculate Our Serum Cholesterol Levels?
Total cholesterol tests can be calculated by adding together all of the different types of cholesterol in your blood. It can be determined through a blood test known as a Lipoprotein Panel or Lipid Profile. You must refrain from eating or drinking anything other for ten to twelve hours before the test. The exam provides details about:
1. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is the “bad” cholesterol. It’s made up of small, dense particles that can damage arteries. It is the primary cause of cholesterol accumulation and artery blockages
2. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
HDL is the “good” cholesterol. It’s made up of larger, more buoyant particles that help remove bad cholesterol from your blood vessels. Too much HDL can also lead to heart disease, but it’s less likely because it helps protect the artery walls from damage in the first place.
3. Total Cholesterol
It is the total amount of cholesterol in your blood measured. It consists of both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.
4. Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. They are made from the breakdown of fats and can be used to provide energy for the body. Too much triglyceride can lead to problems such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
5. VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein)
The liver produces LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) from the foods you eat. VLDL transports cholesterol and other lipids from your liver to other parts of your body. When you have too much LDL, it can form plaque in your arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the level of cholesterol in your blood. Cholesterol is a type of fat in your blood. Too much cholesterol can lead to heart disease.
What Are The Normal Cholesterol Ranges for Filipinos?
The normal cholesterol ranges vary depending on a person’s sex, age, and race. For most Filipinos, the range is typically between 120 and 220 mg/dL. For those with familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic condition that increases their risk for heart disease), the range may be as high as 400 mg/dL.
If you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels, a total cholesterol test is a good way to check.
What Does High LDL Cholesterol Mean in the Philippines?
LDL cholesterol, also known as bad cholesterol, is a type of cholesterol that is found in the blood. LDL cholesterol can cause heart disease if it gets too high. Levels of LDL cholesterol that are considered to be high are usually above 130 mg/dL. Some factors that can increase your risk of having high LDL levels include being overweight or obese, having a family history of heart disease, and having diabetes.
What Causes Elevated LDL Cholesterol Levels Among Filipinos?
There are many factors that can contribute to elevated LDL cholesterol levels. Some of the most common causes include:
- Obesity – Heart disease is more likely to occur if you are overweight. Additionally, it often raises cholesterol. Your LDL (bad) cholesterol, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels can all be decreased with weight loss. Your HDL (good) cholesterol level is also increased by it.
- High cholesterol levels in the family / Genetics – How much cholesterol your body produces is partially influenced by your genes. A Filipino family with history of high blood cholesterol may exist.
- A diet high in saturated fat and cholesterol – You raise your blood cholesterol level by eating foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol. The main issue is saturated fat, although dietary cholesterol is also important. Your blood cholesterol level can be decreased by cutting back on saturated fat in your diet. Some meats, dairy goods, chocolate, baked goods, deep-fried foods, and processed foods are examples of foods with high saturated fat content.
- Smoking – Your HDL (good) cholesterol decreases when you smoke cigarettes. Bad cholesterol in your arteries is removed by HDL. Consequently, a reduced HDL can result in a higher level of harmful cholesterol.
- Being inactive / Lack of Exercise – A lack of exercise can also increase your risk for high cholesterol. When you are inactive, your body produces more bad cholesterol. Inactivity also decreases the production of HDL, which can lead to a higher level of harmful cholesterol in your blood.
- Having diabetes – Filipinos with diabetes have a greater risk of high cholesterol. Diabetes causes your body to produce more bad cholesterol. In addition, Filipinos with diabetes are more likely to have a genetic marker that makes them more likely to develop high cholesterol.
Additionally, lifestyle changes may be recommended, such as eating healthy Filipino food and a proper diet and getting regular physical activity. Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in every cell of the body. Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to heart disease.
What Filipino Foods Cause High Cholesterol Levels?
- Saturated fat – Saturated fat is found in red meat, eggs, and full-fat dairy products.
- Trans fat – Trans fat is found in processed foods, such as margarine, cakes, and cookies.
- Processed foods – Processed foods contain high levels of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats.
- Sugars – Sugars are found in all kinds of foods, including milk, cereal, and fruit.
- Sodium – Sodium is found in processed foods, table salt, and canned goods.
- Alcohol – Drinking alcohol can increase your risk of developing high cholesterol.
If you’re wondering what a total cholesterol test is and what it can tell you about your health, keep reading.
What Are The Complications of High Bad Cholesterol Levels?
Some of the complications of high bad cholesterol levels can include heart disease, stroke, and even death. It’s important to get your cholesterol checked regularly to make sure it’s within healthy limits. If you have high bad cholesterol levels, you may need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle to reduce your risk of heart disease.
If you’re concerned about your cholesterol levels, a total cholesterol test is a good way to find out where you stand. This simple blood test measures the amount of cholesterol in your body.
How Do We Lower Our LDL Cholesterol Levels?
The goal of heart health is to maintain a healthy lipid profile, which includes keeping your LDL cholesterol levels as low as possible. There are many ways to lower LDL cholesterol levels, including diet, exercise, and medication.
One way to lower LDL cholesterol levels is through medication. Statins are the most commonly prescribed medications for lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Statins work by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver. There are several different statins available on the market, each with its own specific benefits and drawbacks. It is important to discuss your individual risk factors with your Filipino doctor before starting a statin regimen.
Another way to lower LDL cholesterol levels is through diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources, and minimal saturated fat. It is also important to avoid foods that contain high amounts of sugar or unhealthy fats. A healthy lifestyle includes regular exercise – even 30 minutes a day can make a big difference in your heart health.
If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, talk to your doctor in the Philippines. A lipid profile can help your Filipino doctor determine the best way to lower your cholesterol levels. Do you know your total cholesterol numbers? A total cholesterol test is a simple blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood.
Here are some of the statins medications that are available for use. They include:
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Fluvastatin (Lescol XL)
- Lovastatin (Altoprev)
- Pitavastatin (Livalo, Zypitamag)
- Pravastatin (Pravachol)
- Rosuvastatin (Crestor, Ezallor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
Can A Low HDL Cholesterol Level Cause Heart Disease?
HDL cholesterol is one type of cholesterol, and it is good for the heart by removing types of harmful cholesterol; Thus, a low HDL level can cause heart disease. A total cholesterol test is a blood test that measures the level of cholesterol in your body. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is found in your blood.
What Are The Benefits Of Having Higher HDL Cholesterols?
There are many benefits to having higher HDL cholesterol levels. HDL is known as the “good” cholesterol because it helps remove bad cholesterol from the body. HDL also helps protect against heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Having higher HDL levels has the following advantages:
- HDL cholesterol can protect against heart disease among Filipinos.
- HDL cholesterol can help reduce the risk of stroke in the Philippines.
- HDL cholesterol can help reduce the risk of a heart attack among Filipinos.
- HDL cholesterol is linked with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes among Filipinos.
- HDL cholesterol is linked with a lower risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as cancer.
A total cholesterol test is a measure of the amount of cholesterol in your blood. A total cholesterol test can be used to help predict your risk of heart disease.
Final Thoughts: Total Cholesterol Test in the Philippines
In conclusion, a total cholesterol test is a simple, quick, and painless way to check your overall health. A high cholesterol level may be a sign of heart disease, stroke, or other health problems. If your total cholesterol is high, your doctor in the Philippines may recommend lifestyle changes or medication to help lower it.
It is important to know what your total cholesterol levels are and to get tested regularly. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease. A simple blood test can tell you what your total cholesterol level is and whether you are at risk for heart disease.
Sources: Total Cholesterol Test
- Cholesterol test – Mayo Clinic
- Get a Cholesterol Test | cdc.gov
- Cholesterol Numbers and What They Mean – Cleveland Clinic
- Lipid Panel | Johns Hopkins Medicine
- Cholesterol and lipid tests | healthdirect
- Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know – MedlinePlus
- High cholesterol – Cholesterol levels – NHS
- Understanding your cholesterol test results – Heart UK
- Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests – HealthLink BC
- Get Your Cholesterol Checked – MyHealthfinder | health.gov
- Cholesterol testing and results Information | Mount Sinai
- Making sense of cholesterol tests – Harvard Health
Disclaimer: Total Cholesterol Test
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