Cholesterol - LDL near me in Surat

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in all cells of the body. It is essential for the production of hormones and vitamin D and for digesting food. There are generally two types of cholesterol: low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or the "bad" cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins (HDL) or the “good” cholesterol. Although referred to as bad, LDL cholesterol is not essentially unhealthy. Your body needs it in an optimum amount for nerve protection, cell production, and hormone synthesis. However, excessive amounts may clog or block the blood vessels (plaque formation) and increase the risk of heart conditions, such as heart attack, stroke, and angina. 

The Cholesterol - LDL test helps determine LDL levels in the blood. High LDL cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia) generally show no symptoms in the early stages but may eventually lead to several cardiovascular complications. Whereas low LDL cholesterol levels (hypocholesterolemia) are rare and are caused generally due to underlying health conditions like hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or malnutrition. 

Direct LDL cholesterol testing does not require fasting. It can be reliably measured in the non-fasting state, as food intake has minimal effect on direct LDL levels. Also, inform your doctor about any medications or health conditions, as these may affect the results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them evaluate your medical condition; make recommendations for diet, exercise, or medication; and formulate your overall treatment plan.

Note: A fasting lipid profile or direct LDL-C measurement is recommended if the patient's triglyceride is high and testing is done for cardiovascular risk assessment or to assess treatment effectiveness or the need for further LDL-C reduction.