Why Cholesterol Test is performed?

Cholesterol is a sticky-fatty substance that is made in the body by the liver. In addition to making cholesterol, we also get a small percentage of our body's cholesterol from the foods we eat. Animal based food such as meat, eggs and dairy products are the main source of cholesterol. In fact, cholesterol forms part of every cell in the body and serves many important functions such as maintaining healthy cell walls, making hormones, making vitamin D, making bile acids and more.

At times, our body starts making more cholesterol that it is really required. Our bodies can make too much cholesterol when we eat too much saturated fat - the kind of fat found in animal-based foods such as meat and dairy products. The excess cholesterol that is made in the body starts circulating in the bloodstream. The High levels of cholesterol in the blood can clog blood vessels (blockage in the blood vessels) and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Keeping blood cholesterol at desired levels is very important to cut down the risk of heart disease and stroke. As blood cholesterol exceeds 220 ml/dl risk for heart disease increases at a more rapid rate. Hence, it becomes really very important for every individual to keep track of their blood cholesterol levels through periodic blood cholesterol testing. You can get your cholesterol test done at the medical centers or you can do your own cholesterol test using test kit.

Cholesterol self testing is gaining popularity all over the world as it saves lot of time and money for the patient. Various self test kits such as suresign total cholesterol test, pasante self check cholesterol test, cholesterol monitoring Kit, cholesterol test strip and more are easily available in the market across different drug stores as well as online pharmacies. Once the condition is diagnosed, immediate medical attention and care is required to avert any possible risk.