8-10 hrs fasting required.

Total Cholesterol is used as part of a routine cardiovascular health check for people above 40 years of age, or if you are already thought to be at risk of cardiovascular disease for another reason, or if you are taking (or are about to start) treatments which lower cholesterol.

 

HDL(High Density Lipoproteins) is one of the classes of lipoproteins that carry cholesterol in the blood. HDL is thought to be beneficial because it removes excess cholesterol from tissues and carries it to the liver for disposal. Hence HDL cholesterol is often called “good” cholesterol. The test for HDL measures the amount of cholesterol carried on HDL particles in blood.

 

LDL(Low Density Lipoproteins) is considered to be undesirable because it deposits excess cholesterol in the walls of blood vessels and contributes to atherosclerosis, also known as 'hardening of the arteries' or ‘furring up of the arteries’, and ultimately cardiovascular disease, such as heart disease and strokes. Hence LDL-C is often termed 'bad' cholesterol.

 

VLDL(Very Low Density Lipoproteins) cholesterol is produced in the liver and released into the bloodstream to supply body tissues with a type of fat (triglycerides).The best way to lower your VLDL cholesterol is to lower your triglycerides. Losing weight and exercising regularly are key, and you might also want to avoid sugary food and alcohol in particular.