Total Cholesterol

A cholesterol test helps detect the levels of cholesterol in the body. Cholesterol is a soft, waxy fat that is required by your body for optimal functioning. Cholesterol is an organic molecule. It is a sterol (or modified steroid), a type of lipid molecule. Excess of cholesterol leads to the build-up of fatty deposits or plaques in your arteries. This narrows down the arteries or blocks the blood vessels throughout your body, leading to atherosclerosis. A Cholesterol test is a test that measures your blood cholesterol levels. It helps evaluate your heart health and the risk factors of developing cardiovascular ailments like stroke and heart disease. A cholesterol test is prescribed as part of the cardiac risk assessment tests. Excessive cholesterol in your blood can cause damage to your arteries and blood vessels. This increases your risk of developing stroke, heart attack and other heart diseases. You may require a cholesterol test if you have one or more risk factors like high blood pressure, smoking, type-2 diabetes, excessive weight or obesity, lack of physical activity or a high saturated fat diet. Studies have reported that 25-30% of the urban population and 15-20% of the rural population in India have high cholesterol levels. The cholesterol test requires you to give your blood sample for testing. You can either test for total cholesterol alone with this test or get a detailed picture of your lipid levels with the lipid profile test.