Northwest Wellness
Cholesterol
Testing

We have several tests to chose from.
    1. Total Cholesterol
    2. Total Cholesteral, HDL & ratio
    3. Total Lipid includes Total Cholesterol, HDL, ratio, LDL & triglycerides.

Cholesterol testing screens for risk of atherosclerosis which can lead to coronary heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

Atherosclerosis is a disease in which excess cholesterol in the bloodstream forms a build-up of fatty plaque on the artery walls. As this build-up increases, it narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow to the heart and brain.

Restricted blood flow to the heart can cause chest pain or angina. When blood flow to the heart becomes severely restricted or blocked completely, it can result in a heart attack. The carotid arteries of the neck supply blood to the brain. If a carotid artery becomes blocked it can result in a stroke.

A general explanation of cholesterol follows below. For additional information on cholesterol, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart attack and stroke, please visit the following websites. Information on risk factors, prevention and treatment is addressed.

Counting calories? Check out this website: CaloriesPerHour.com

FAQ: about cholesterol.

Scroll down the page to read the answers, or click on a question and you will be taken directly to the answer.

 What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that your body needs to function properly. Your body uses it to make essential substances such as cell walls and hormones.

 What is HDL or "good" cholesterol?

HDL means High Density Lipoprotein.

HDL carries excess cholesterol away from the arteries to the liver where it is passed from the body. High levels of HDL can protect from cholesterol build-up formed by LDL ("bad" cholesterol) and reduce your risk of atherosclerosis.

 What is LDL or "bad" cholesterol?

LDL stands for Low Density Lipoprotein. LDL is considered to be "bad" because it is the primary cause of the build-up on the artery walls.

LDL is not measured directly but is calculated using the following formula:

Total Cholesterol - HDL - (triglycerides / 5)

 What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides consist of fatty acids and glycerol. They are the most common type of fat in the body and, like cholesterol, they circulate in your blood. Triglyceride levels increase significantly after you eat, then gradually, as your body processes the fat, the triglyceride levels decrease again.

High levels of triglycerides, in addition to high levels of LDL, may further increase risk for coronary heart disease.

 What is Total Cholesterol?

Total Cholesterol (TC) is a combination of HDL ("good" cholesterol), LDL ("bad" cholesterol), and triglycerides. That is why you always hear that your Total Cholesterol level should be low.

Your body produces all of the cholesterol it needs. The cholesterol in your diet only serves to raise your blood cholesterol level, possibly increasing your risk of atherosclerosis. If your total cholesterol is low, then generally speaking, other parameters are kept in check.

While Total Cholesterol serves as a general indicator of the level of cholesterol in your blood, looking at Total Cholesterol alone can be misleading. The amount of HDL in your blood and the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL; good cholesterol. (TC/HDL) are also significant indicators. The reason is because of the positive effect HDL cholesterol has in removing LDL cholesterol from your blood and arteries.

 What is the TC/HDL ratio?

This is the ratio of your level of HDL ("good" cholesterol) to your level of Total Cholesterol. To calculate your ratio, simply divide your level of Total Cholesterol by your level of HDL.

This ratio is considered to be a significant factor in accessing your risk of atherosclerosis.

 What are the guidelines for evaluating my test results?

The following table indicates desirable results for all aspects of a complete cholesterol test as described above.

Printable Guidelines

Guidelines for Evaluating Test Results
Category Desirable
Level		 What is
Better?		 Is Fasting
Required?
TC or Total
Cholesterol		 below
200 mg/dl		 less no
HDL or "good"
Cholesterol		 above
40 mg/dl		 more no
TC/HDL Ratio below
4.5		 less no
LDL or "bad"
Cholesterol		 below
130 mg/dl		 less yes
Triglycerides below
150 mg/dl		 less yes

Notes:

  1. The figures appearing in this table have been prepared by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.
  2. Measurements are in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).

What equipment is used for the test?

Northwest Wellness uses the highly advanced Cholestech LDX System. The LDX is capable of measuring Total Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose.

A special cassette containing a sample of the client's blood is inserted into the LDX to be analyzed. A unique system separates the plasma from the blood cells, and the plasma then flows to separate test pads. Depending upon the tests being performed, the cassette will have test pads for Total Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose.

Reactions to chemicals contained on the test pads, including various enzymes and dyes, cause the pads to exhibit variations in color based upon the contents of the blood plasma. The resulting color of each pad is then measured with a reflectance photometer to produce the test results.

How is the blood sample taken?

The Cholestech LDX requires only a single drop of blood which is taken from a prick to one of the client's fingers.

The prick is made with an automatic device placed on the end of the client's finger. When the device is triggered, a small, short needle makes the prick.

This automatic device minimizes any sensation by making the prick instantaneous and by making the force applied minimal and precise.

The drop of blood sitting upon the patient's finger is drawn into a miniature straw-like device. The blood is then released onto the test cassette described above.

Each automatic pricking device is disposed of after a single use.

Should I fast before taking the test?

It depends on the test.

Fasting is not required before testing for Total Cholesterol and HDL; fasting is required before testing for triglycerides.

  • It is not necessary to fast before evaluating Total Cholesterol and HDL.
  • While triglycerides are included in Total Cholesterol, they are not present in large enough quantities to affect the evaluation of Total Cholesterol and HDL significantly. Recent food intake affects Total Cholesterol test results by less than 1.5%.
  • Triglycerides, can increase markedly after eating, hence affecting the calculation outcome of LDL. Because of this factor, you should fast before testing triglycerides in order to achieve accurate results.
  • Do not ingest anything except water, black coffee, and prescribed medications for 12 hours prior to testing.
How long does the test take?

The test takes about five to eight minutes from start to finish, depending on the test.

It takes just a minute to draw the blood sample, and then about four minutes for the Cholestech LDX to calculate the results.

The Cholestech LDX requires an additional three minutes if triglycerides are being evaluated.

How are the test results presented?

Written test results are presented to each patient so that they can keep them for historical records and present them to their doctor.

While test results are important indicators, they do not constitute a diagnosis. Discuss your results with your doctor on your next visit.