Expectations with and Results of a Cholesterol Test for People in Columbus, OH

High cholesterol is the biggest risk factor of heart disease which can lead to life-threatening cardiac emergencies like cardiac arrest or heart attack. A victim would require immediate treatment for survival with the most appropriate treatment being proper application of the CPR techniques that comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. 

For obtaining training, your training center should be a certified one such as the AHA accredited CPR Columbus, Ohio. Both theoretical and practical training are imparted to the students. Everyone should get their cholesterol checked regularly and how often depends on age and certain health risk factors. A cholesterol test is a useful tool to assess the risk of heart disease including heart attack and stroke.

Expectations- A cholesterol test requires fasting up to 12 hours prior to the test. This makes most people to have their test done in the morning. The procedure involves drawing blood from a vein and is performed in the same way as most other blood tests. A technician examines the arm to locate a good vein and cleans the area with antiseptic, they will then wrap a band around the arm, near where the puncture site will be, to help the vein fill with blood- prior to the test. Most people are able to go about their normal day immediately following a cholesterol test and can drive themselves home.

Results:

The results tell whether or not the cholesterol levels in the person's blood are healthy. The results are measured in milligrams of cholesterol per deciliter of blood (mg/dL).

Total Cholesterol Levels- High cholesterol levels are considered to be any number over 240 mg/dL. Having a result less than 200 mg/dL is considered good.

HDL Cholesterol Levels- A result between 40 and 59 mg/dL is better, while a reading of 60 mg/dL or higher is the best result.

LDL Cholesterol Levels- Individuals with no heart disease but who are at higher risk for heart disease need to keep levels below 100 mg/dL. The LDL levels for people with heart disease or diabetes should be below 70 mg/dL. A reading from 130 to 159 mg/dL is considered borderline high for those with no heart disease and high for those where heart disease is present. A reading above 190 mg/dL is considered very high for all groups.

Triglyceride Levels- Triglyceride levels are considered desirable when below 150 mg/dL. Levels between 200 and 499 mg/dL are considered high.

High Cholesterol Treatments:

High cholesterol increases the risk for heart disease for an individual. A few lifestyle changes and medications can help manage and lower high cholesterol which include

1.      Quit smoking

2.      Follow a healthy diet

3.      Maintain proper weight

4.      Get adequate exercise

Your diet should be low in saturated fat and dietary cholesterol, low in sugar and carbohydrates and high in soluble fiber. There are several types of drugs available that can help manage cholesterol levels which include statins, nicotinic acid, fibric acid, and cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

Hope this information comes for your help. Contact CPR Columbus to sign up for a CPR course.