The importance of cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat (called a lipid) that your body makes for important jobs like making hormones and cells. However we only need a small amount and high levels of cholesterol can clog up your blood vessels, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
Your cholesterol levels are usually the result of your diet and lifestyle. Ideally these should encourage a high HDL cholesterol (called 'good') level, and reduce the LDL cholesterol (called 'bad') level.
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Your cholesterol levels are usually the result of your diet and lifestyle. Ideally these should encourage a high HDL cholesterol (called 'good') level, and reduce the LDL cholesterol (called 'bad') level.
There is a charge for this service.
Your privacy is assured.
About cholesterol
All men over 45 and women over 55 should have their lipids checked at least every 10 years. Those of Maori, Pacific and Indo-Asian descent should consider having their lipids checked 10 years earlier than this. Others with diabetes or other issues, or are should be checked more frequently.
The test
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A tiny amount of blood is produced with a small prick on your finger.
This blood drop is then analysed in a state-of-the art machine: the Alere Afinion™ AS100 Analyzer. It measures TOTAL CHOLESTEROL, HDL and LDL, as well as triglycerides. Units used are mmol/L |
The results
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You get a result sheet such as this.
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Cholesterol is usually expressed as a ratio Total cholesterol/HDL level.
According to the National Heart Foundation of New Zealand, Total Cholesterol should be less than 4 mmol/L, and the Ratio should be less than 4. However many factors play a part in any risks. You are especially at risk if you are diabetic, smoke, eat fatty foods to excess, or are in the older age group. According to the results of this test, our pharmacist will advise you what steps, if any, you may wish to take next. This may include seeing your doctor. More about cholesterol, lowering it and testing (from Health Navigator NZ). |
About lipids, HDL and LDL
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver from the fast and oils we eat. It has a range of functions including being incorporated into the cell wall of all cells. The body only needs a small amount of this, and too much may cause health problems such as heart disease.
Cholesterol travels through the blood stream attached to special protein molecules called lipoproteins. These are classified as high density, low density or very low density.
LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein. This is is often called 'bad cholesterol' because excess can cause a build-up in the artery walls. This can eventually form a thick, hardv deposit called a 'plaque', which may then form a blockage as a clot in the artery. This can result in a heart attack or stroke.
When making dietary changes, LDL is the best to focus on, getting it as low as possible.
HDL or High Density Lipoprotein. This is is often called 'good cholesterol' because high levels help the heart. The belief is that HDL carries away excess LDL, slowing its buildup on artery walls.
High levels are better, but its easier to reduce your LDL level than to increase your HDL level.
Triglycerides. These are the main sort of fats we eat. They are an important source of energy, but shouldn't be eaten to excess, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle.
Ratio cholesterol/HDL. This ratio is used to summarise the overall risk involved in this area, especially for a heart attack or stroke as a result of clots. It is statistical in nature.
Cholesterol travels through the blood stream attached to special protein molecules called lipoproteins. These are classified as high density, low density or very low density.
LDL or Low Density Lipoprotein. This is is often called 'bad cholesterol' because excess can cause a build-up in the artery walls. This can eventually form a thick, hardv deposit called a 'plaque', which may then form a blockage as a clot in the artery. This can result in a heart attack or stroke.
When making dietary changes, LDL is the best to focus on, getting it as low as possible.
HDL or High Density Lipoprotein. This is is often called 'good cholesterol' because high levels help the heart. The belief is that HDL carries away excess LDL, slowing its buildup on artery walls.
High levels are better, but its easier to reduce your LDL level than to increase your HDL level.
Triglycerides. These are the main sort of fats we eat. They are an important source of energy, but shouldn't be eaten to excess, especially if you have a sedentary lifestyle.
Ratio cholesterol/HDL. This ratio is used to summarise the overall risk involved in this area, especially for a heart attack or stroke as a result of clots. It is statistical in nature.
