LDL cholesterol (direct method)

Test performed from blood to determine the level of LDL cholesterol by direct method.

Determination of the cholesterol concentration of the LDL fraction (lipoprotein low density) so-called bad cholesterol. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease cardiovascular diseases.

The causes of increased LDL levels are:

• unhealthy lifestyle (improper diet, lack of activity, physical activity),
• secondary dyslipidemia,

Decreased LDL levels can be caused by:

• hypothyroidism,
• marrhosis and liver damage,
• sepsis or cachexia,

Bad cholesterol what is it and when to test it?

LDL cholesterol is one of the fractions of total cholesterol Its concentration in the blood is determined mainly to determine the risk of development of ischemic heart disease. It is advisable to prophylactically testing of cholesterol levels in healthy individuals. The frequency of testing in people at risk is decided by the doctor. Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol occurs in people with, among others, obesity, improperly eating, smoking and those with chronic illnesses.

LDL cholesterol what is it?

LDL cholesterol transports cholesterol in the blood. Its excess is deposited in the walls of blood vessels, thus contributing to to atherosclerosis and ischemic heart disease. That is why it is referred to as "bad" cholesterol.

Cholesterol is an essential component of cell membranes and fatty acids fatty acids, without its proper concentration in the body it is impossible for the nervous and endocrine systems to function properly endocrine systems. However, dangerous is its excess in the body as well as an abnormal ratio between "good" and "bad".

Risk factors for cardiovascular disease

High levels of LDL cholesterol pose a threat to the cardiovascular system circulatory system and the heart. It is a risk factor for heart attack, stroke stroke and ischemic heart disease. Testing the level of of total cholesterol and its individual fractions - LDL and HDL is part of the prevention of cardiovascular disease, and in people chronically treated a method of monitoring the progress of treatment, including including treatment with diet.

The main cause of abnormal levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood is considered an improperly balanced diet, full of fats of animal origin and processed foods. Not without significance are chronic diseases - obesity, diabetes and other lifestyle factors - insufficient exercise and smoking.

Acceptable LDL cholesterol levels for adults

The test results should not be interpreted on your own. It is the physician that can assess whether the results and treatment progress are correct, based on the other parameters determined in the test, information about the patient’s health and his/her medical and treatment histories.

The overall acceptable level of LDL cholesterol for healthy individuals is 100 mg/dl. In patients with diabetes and ischaemic heart disease, the purpose is to achieve lower values.

Individuals with abnormal concentration levels of LDL cholesterol are, in the first place, recommended to change their lifestyle and diet. It is important to minimise the consumption of animal fats and highly processed foodstuff. Tobacco users should receive support to help them gradually cut down on the number of cigarettes smoked and eventually quit smoking at all. Patients are recommended to get involved in daily physical activity adapted to their preferences and health condition – they are recommended to go for a walk, a walk/run, ride a bike, swim, and dance.

Chronically ill patients, for whom it is not enough to change the lifestyle, are put on pharmacological treatment.

• Test results are available within 3 working days.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of a selected centre.
• The results can be accessed online. For this to be possible, it is necessary to collect a password at the reception desk of a selected centre.