What Affects The Test
Many conditions can affect cholesterol and triglyceride levels, including:
- Medicines, such as diuretics, corticosteroids, male sex hormones , tranquillizers, estrogen, birth control pills, antibiotics, and niacin .
- Physical stress, such as infection, heart attack, surgery.
- Other conditions, such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, or kidney or liver disease.
- Alcohol use disorder.
- Liver disease , malnutrition, or hyperthyroidism.
- Pregnancy. Values are the highest during the third trimester and usually return to the pre-pregnancy levels after delivery of the baby.
Your doctor will talk with you about any abnormal results that may be related to your other health problems.
What Is Being Tested
Very low-density lipoprotein is one of the four major lipoprotein particles. The other three are high-density lipoprotein , low-density lipoprotein , and chylomicrons. Each particle contains a mixture of cholesterol, triglyceride, and protein, but in varying amounts unique to each type of particle. LDL contains the highest amount of cholesterol. HDL contains the highest amount of protein. VLDL and chylomicrons contain the highest amount of triglyceride.
VLDL particles are released into the blood by the liver and circulate in the bloodstream, ultimately being converted into LDL as they lose triglyceride, having carried it to other parts of the body. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s National Cholesterol Education Program Guidelines ATP III, there is growing evidence that VLDL plays an important role in atherogenesis, in which plaques form on the interior walls of arteries, narrowing these passageways and restricting blood flow, which can lead to heart disease and increase the risk of stroke.
However, this formula becomes less accurate with increased triglyceride levels when, for example, a person has not fasted before having blood drawn. The calculation is not valid when the triglyceride level is greater than 400 mg/dl because other lipoproteins are usually present. In this situation, VLDL-C may be measured directly using specialized testing.
How Do I Know What My Vldl Level Is
There isn’t a way to directly measure your VLDL level. Instead, you will most likely get a blood test to measure your triglyceride level. The lab can use your triglyceride level to estimate what your VLDL level is. Your VLDL is about one-fifth of your triglyceride level. However, estimating your VLDL this way does not work if your triglyceride level is very high.
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About Your Cholesterol Result
A cholesterol test can measure:
- total cholesterol the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both good and bad cholesterol
- total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio the level of good cholesterol in your blood compared to your overall cholesterol level
- good cholesterol this makes you less likely to have heart problems or a stroke
- bad cholesterol this makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke
- triglycerides a fatty substance similar to bad cholesterol
When you get your result, you may just be told your total cholesterol.
You might be able to get separate results for your good and bad cholesterol, triglycerides, and your total cholesterol to HDL ratio. Ask your doctor or nurse.
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Vldl Blood Test Results Fully Explained
Testing for cholesterol levels in the blood has become a common method of preventing future heart health issues. HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, along with triglycerides and total cholesterol levels, have been common blood tests ordered by doctors for more than a generation. One of the newer tests, the VLDL blood test, tests for what is known as the very low density lipoprotein. VLDL contains the highest numbers of triglycerides and is the most likely cholesterol to begin building up on arterial walls.
The VLDL blood test may be ordered to determine a persons overall risk of coronary heart disease or atherosclerosis. It may also be ordered by a treating doctor to see how effective a treatment plan may be. There is no direct method of testing VLDL with a specific test, however, so most laboratories will report results by calculating this result from your overall triglyceride levels.
VLDL is generally about 20% of your total triglycerides.
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What Are The Symptoms Of High Cholesterol
Lifestyle factors include:
- an unhealthy diet eating too much saturated fat is thought to increase levels of LDL or bad cholesterol
- lack of exercise this can also increase your levels of LDL
- obesity being overweight often means you also have higher levels of LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and a lower level of the good HDL.
- drinking too much alcohol
- smoking if you smoke, a chemical in cigarettes called acrolein stops the good HDL from moving fatty deposits to your liver
Underlying conditions
- transient ischaemic attack or a mini stroke
- peripheral arterial disease
How Can I Lower My Vldl
Because of the relationship between VLDL and triglycerides, you can lower your VLDL cholesterol level by taking steps to lower your triglyceride level. These include making healthy lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight and exercising regularly. It has also been advised to avoid sugary foods and alcohol in particular since these have a strong effect on triglycerides. Cholesterol-lowering medication may also be recommended. Talk to your healthcare provider about what is right for you.
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Why Cholesterol Affects Women Differently
In general, women have higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men because the female sex hormone estrogen seems to boost this good cholesterol. But, like so much else, everything changes at menopause. At this point, many women experience a change in their cholesterol levels total and LDL cholesterol rise and HDL cholesterol falls. This is why women who had favorable cholesterol values during their childbearing years might end up with elevated cholesterol later in life. Of course, genetics and lifestyle factors can play big roles, too.
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How Does This Cholesterol Calculator Work
The rules for converting cholesterol units of TC , HDL and LDL are the same:
- To get from mmol/L to mg/dL, you need to multiply by 38.67.
- To get from mg/dL to mmol/L multiply by 0.02586.
Conversion for TG is calculated differently:
- To get from mmol/L to mg/dL multiply by 88.57.
- To get from mg/dL to mmol/L multiply by 0.01129.
Itâs possible that youâve also had your glucose level assessed. If you need a hand with glucose units, see our glucose unit converter!
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Lifestyle Changes To Control Cholesterol
All the above-mentioned hazards of high cholesterol can be avoided by maintaining good numbers of cholesterol levels. However, it is not always necessary to go for medicines to control cholesterol. This can be done through diet and some lifestyle changes as well. These lifestyle changes can be adopted at any age.
What Is Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s found in all the cells in your body. Your liver makes cholesterol, and it is also in some foods, such as meat and dairy products. Your body needs some cholesterol to work properly. But having too much cholesterol in your blood raises your risk of coronary artery disease.
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How Does It Work
The lipid panel test is commonly done with a blood sample drawn from your arm. Its usually the first blood work done when starting an annual physical exam.
A blood test to check your VLDL level can be done using a lipid profile, also known as a lipoprotein panel. This test measures the number of various lipoproteins and fats in your blood. Its usually done after a nine- to 12-hour fast. The results of the test will determine whether your VLDL level is normal or high.
If you have abnormal results, the doctor may order additional tests to confirm them or rule out other conditions. The panel is often repeated over time to see how effective treatment is working.
Should You Get A Lipid Panel Blood Test
Lipid panel blood tests are prescribed for various screening and monitoring reasons that may even translate to diagnostic purposes. Lipid profile tests can also be used to detect other ailments such as chronic kidney diseases, hypothyroidism, and pancreatitis.
Individuals with two or more risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are most commonly prescribed lipid panel tests. Regular testing can detect high cholesterol levels for immediate redress if you check the boxes for cardiovascular risk factors. These risk factors include hypertension , diabetes or prediabetes, a history of high cholesterol, smoking, age above 45 if you are a male and over 50 if female, and obesity.
In some cases, having a first-degree relative with the early development of heart diseases, lack of physical activities in lifestyle, and an unbalanced diet may even be considered risk factors. No need to worry if you check the boxes mentioned above you can get yourself tested right now at SmartClinix and consult with the most learned experts at any time that suits your schedule by booking a physical appointment or via telehealth. Check out their website right now for more insight!
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What Are Normal Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance found in the cells in your body. Cholesterol is found in some foods, like meat and dairy products. Your liver is responsible for making cholesterol. Your body needs it to function properly. There are two types of cholesterol high-density lipoprotein , or good cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein , or bad cholesterol. Too much LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.
The total cholesterol in your body is the amount of cholesterol in your blood. It consists of both LDL and HDL cholesterol. The good cholesterol, HDL, helps remove cholesterol from your arteries. The bad cholesterol, LDL, is the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in your arteries. Too much LDL can put you at risk for a stroke, heart attack, or other heart problems.
Cholesterol levels vary by age, weight, and gender. As you age, your body will produce more cholesterol. As an adult, you should check your cholesterol levels every four to six years to make sure youre in a healthy range.
Plant Sterols Can Lower Cholesterol Levels
Plant sterols are found naturally in plant foods including sunflower and canola seeds, vegetable oils and in nuts, legumes, cereals, fruit and vegetables. Some margarine and milks have concentrated plant sterols added to them. Margarines enriched with plant sterolslower LDL cholesterol in most people if the correct amount is eaten .
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What Are Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that plays many roles in the body, including synthesizing hormones and vitamin D. It also assists in the transporting of lipids. Cholesterol is found in the foods you eat, but it is also made by the liver.
Cholesterol circulating in the blood is carried by special particles called lipoproteins. The two major cholesterol-carrying lipoproteins are low-density lipoprotein and high-density lipoprotein :
- LDL cholesterol is often referred to as “bad” cholesterol because too much of it can build up in your arteries and form plaques, which increases the risk of heart disease.
- HDL cholesterol is often referred to as “good” cholesterol as it carries cholesterol to the liver to be broken down and excreted.
Since your total cholesterol level is a combination of your LDL cholesterol and your HDL cholesterol, ideally you want to keep your LDL levels low and your HDL levels high. There are many factors that can influence your cholesterol levels, including, diet, exercise, weight, genetics, and other health conditions.
Is Vldl Harmful
A high concentration of VLDL is harmful to the body. Free radicals are more likely to damage some lipoproteins, including VLDL. Through this process, the lipoproteins become harmful to heart health.
Many food companies advertise their products as low in cholesterol, but dietary cholesterol doesn’t influence your body’s cholesterol levels significantly. That’s mostly because the liver controls cholesterol production. The more cholesterol you eat through food, the less your liver will make.
Two things that can increase your VLDL levels are smoking and a sedentary lifestyle.
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How It Is Done
The health professional taking a sample of your blood will:
- Wrap an elastic band around your upper arm to stop the flow of blood. This makes the veins below the band larger so it is easier to put a needle into the vein.
- Clean the needle site with alcohol.
- Put the needle into the vein. More than one needle stick may be needed.
- Attach a tube to the needle to fill it with blood.
- Remove the band from your arm when enough blood is collected.
- Put a gauze pad or cotton ball over the needle site as the needle is removed.
- Put pressure on the site and then put on a bandage.
Cholesterol And Triglyceride Screening
Some health organizations recommend that everyone older than age 20 be checked for high cholesterol.
Some health organizations recommend that everyone age 20 and older be checked for high cholesterol.footnote 1 The Canadian Cardiovascular Society recommends cholesterol tests based on age and risk factors for heart disease. footnote 2
Talk to your doctor about when you should get a cholesterol test.
For more information, see When to Have a Cholesterol Test.
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What Is The Difference Between Ldl And Vldl
As compared to LDL, VLDL contains more triglycerides and less cholesterol. On average, VLDL will contain up to 70% triglycerides, which goes down to only 10% in the case of LDL. It is easier to feel the increasing LDL levels as you begin to notice symptoms connected to high cholesterol levels at once. However, VLDL levels do not have instant symptoms. They are detected only when other lipid-related profiling is done using blood samples.
What Are The Risks Of High Vldl Levels
If the body has more VLDL than it needs, the surplus circulates in the blood, contributing to the buildup of plaque.
Plaque is a fatty, sticky substance comprising fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other materials in the blood. Over time, it sticks to the inside of the arteries and then hardens, making them narrower. The term for this process is atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis stops the blood from being able to flow freely around the body. Every cell needs a ready supply of oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood to survive.
Therefore, high levels of VLDL can contribute to atherosclerosis, which can make a person more susceptible to heart disease or stroke.
Having too many triglycerides, which are the fats that VLDL carries, can also increase a persons risk of developing non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease.
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What Is A Lipid Panel Blood Test
A lipid panel blood test is the measure of lipid or fat molecules in an individual’s blood. This test also includes measurements of the different kinds of cholesterol and triglycerides. A lipid panel is also commonly known as a coronary risk panel, fasting lipid panel or nonfasting lipid panel, lipid test, cholesterol panel, or lipid profile. Accumulation of lipids contributes to several diseases like myocardial infarction and stroke, and that is why a lipid panel test can prove life-saving in some cases.
When Should You Speak With A Doctor
It is important to note that there are a few symptoms of high cholesterol.
However, emergency symptoms are stroke or a heart attack that may be the only indicator of damage from high cholesterol.
This means that you should make sure that your doctor regularly monitors it.
Moreover, you should get your cholesterol levels checked with a blood test every 4 to 6 years.
Your doctor may also recommend more frequent screening if you live with any of the following:
- a history of heart condition
- high blood pressure
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How Do You Prepare For A Cholesterol Test
In most cases, youll need to fast for nine to 12 hours before the test. Make sure you tell the person drawing your blood how long it has been since you ate or drank anything that wasnt water.
There are some cases when a cholesterol test is done without fasting. This is true for tests done at health screenings and may be true for people younger than 20 or for people who are unable to fast.
Some medical societies believe that fasting is not necessary to get a true picture of lipid levels in the blood, while other associations stand by the belief that fasting gives a better idea of a persons heart disease risk. You should be clear on whether or not you need to fast, and for how long, before you go for the blood test.
Cholesterol Levels For Adults
- Total cholesterol levels less than 200 milligrams per deciliter are considered desirable for adults. A reading between 200 and 239 mg/dL is considered borderline high and a reading of 240 mg/dL and above is considered high.
- LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 mg/dL. Levels of 100 to 129 mg/dL are acceptable for people with no health issues but may be of more concern for those with heart disease or heart disease risk factors. A reading of 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high and 160 to 189 mg/dL is high. A reading of 190 mg/dL or higher is considered very high.
- HDL levels should be kept higher. A reading of less than 40 mg/dL is considered a major risk factor for heart disease. A reading from 41 mg/dL to 59 mg/dL is considered borderline low. The optimal reading for HDL levels is of 60 mg/dL or higher.
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