Cholesterin Plus Check

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that is needed in the body for the production of cell membranes, hormones, and bile acids. The laboratory value measures the concentration of total cholesterol in the blood, which consists of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and other lipoproteins.

A cholesterol test is recommended for: Persons with a family history of cardiovascular diseases People with overweight, diabetes or high blood pressure Persons with unhealthy eating habits (e.g. high-fat diet) Patients with existing cardiovascular diseases for monitoring People over 40 years of age as a preventive check-up

The test serves to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke. It is also used to monitor the effect of medications such as statins or changes in lifestyle.

A high cholesterol level can indicate an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Symptoms of a significantly elevated value often do not appear until late and include: Angina pectoris (chest pain) Dizziness or shortness of breath during exertion A low cholesterol level is rare and is usually caused by malnutrition or certain liver diseases.

The test should ideally be performed fasting in the morning, as food intake can temporarily affect cholesterol levels.

Total cholesterol alone is less informative than the ratio of LDL to HDL. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can positively influence cholesterol levels. If there is a suspicion of genetically determined lipid metabolism disorders, further tests such as lipoprotein A can be helpful.

HDL cholesterol is often referred to as "good cholesterol" because it transports excess cholesterol from the blood vessels to the liver, where it is broken down. The laboratory value measures the concentration of HDL in the blood.

The HDL test is recommended for: Persons with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases Patients with elevated total cholesterol or LDL cholesterol for risk assessment People with diabetes, high blood pressure or other metabolic diseases Persons who have started lifestyle changes or lipid therapy

The test helps to assess the risk of arteriosclerosis and other cardiovascular diseases. A high HDL value is associated with a lower risk of these diseases.

A low HDL value is a risk factor for: Arteriosclerosis Heart attack or stroke A high HDL value is usually seen as positive, but extremely high values can rarely be associated with negative health effects.

The test can be carried out at any time of the day.

The HDL value should be interpreted in relation to LDL and total cholesterol. Regular exercise and healthy fats (e.g. from fish or nuts) increase HDL cholesterol. Chronic stress and smoking can lower HDL.

LDL cholesterol, often referred to as "bad cholesterol," transports cholesterol to the cells, but can deposit in the arterial walls at high levels and thus promote atherosclerosis. The laboratory value measures the concentration of LDL in the blood.

A LDL test is recommended for: Persons with familial hypercholesterolemia (genetically caused lipid metabolism disorder) Patients with cardiovascular diseases or high risk for it People with diabetes or metabolic syndrome Monitoring of cholesterol levels during a therapy with statins

The test serves to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It is the most important value for monitoring cholesterol therapy and helps in adjusting medications and lifestyle changes.

A high LDL value is an essential risk factor for: Arteriosclerosis Heart attack Stroke A low value is generally unproblematic, but is monitored in patients with greatly reduced values (e.g. through statins).

The test should be carried out in a fasting state in order to increase the informative value, as meals can temporarily influence the values.

LDL cholesterol is often the target value in the treatment of cardiovascular patients. The calculation is often made from total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides; however, direct measurements are more accurate. Trans fats in the diet increase LDL, while unsaturated fats (e.g. from olive oil) can lower it.

Triglycerides are the most common form of fat in the blood and serve as an energy source for the body. The laboratory value measures the concentration of triglycerides that come from food or are synthesized in the liver.

Here is the translation: A triglyceride test is recommended for: People with familial lipid metabolism disorders Patients with overweight or diabetes mellitus Persons with suspected metabolic syndrome Monitoring during lipid therapy

The test serves to assess the risk of arteriosclerosis and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). It also helps to evaluate the success of lifestyle changes or medications.

A high triglyceride level can be caused by: Unhealthy diet (e.g. high in sugar or fat) Overweight and lack of exercise Uncontrolled diabetes. Symptoms are usually not noticeable, but with extremely high levels, abdominal pain due to pancreatitis may occur.

The testing should be carried out in a fasting state, as the triglyceride values can be influenced by the last meal.

Triglycerides increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, especially in combination with high LDL and low HDL. Alcohol can significantly increase triglyceride levels and should be avoided before testing. Lifestyle changes such as a low-fat diet and exercise significantly reduce the values.