Cholesterol – Dyslipidemia
WHAT IS IT?
Cholesterol and lipids are essential substances the body uses for energy transport. They are also key components of cells and vitamins.
The levels we measure in the blood are a sum of:
- Dietary sources
- Endogenous production – metabolism
Cholesterol and lipids are used as independent indicators of cardiovascular risk, narrowing of blood vessels, and the occurrence of obstructive diseases of the heart (myocardial infarction), brain (stroke), and lungs (pulmonary embolism).
LABORATORY TESTING
To assess potential dyslipidemia and calculate cardiovascular risk, multiple parameters need to be measured. Depending on the case, the lipid profile may use the basic parameters or the complete set of tests as follows:
Basic Parameters:
Cholesterol (Chol):
This is the total cholesterol from diet (exclusively animal-derived) and the cholesterol produced by the liver. In a relatively healthy diet, dietary intake usually contributes 20-25% of the total, with cheese and dairy products being the main sources, followed by fatty meats.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL):
Known as the “good” cholesterol, we aim to have higher levels of HDL. It can be increased through a healthy diet, exercise (walking), and quitting smoking.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL):
This is the “bad” cholesterol that we manage mainly through diet (avoiding animal fats) and, if necessary, with medication.
Triglycerides (Trig):
These lipids are heavily influenced by diet and the fats we consume. Although they are important for the cardiovascular system. High levels can indicate metabolic disorders and potential pancreatic issues.
Total Lipids:
The sum of all lipids, associated with atherosclerotic disease, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic disorder.
Atherotic index
It is the ratio of total cholesterol to HDL, indicating how effectively HDL protects the blood vessels from the total cholesterol.
SUPPLEMENTARY PARAMETERS
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]
An independent lipid and additional risk marker for atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. It is used as an additional factor in assessing the potential pathogenicity of cholesterol and triglycerides.
Very Low-Density Lipoprotein (VLDL):
Evaluated independently as a cardiovascular risk and metabolic marker.
Apolipoprotein A1 (Apo-A1):
Provides additional information about the protective capacity of HDL.
Apolipoprotein B (Apo-B and Apo-B100):
Provides additional information about the harmfulness of LDL.
Apolipoprotein E (Apo-E):
Assessed for specific types of dyslipidemia and the effectiveness of statin therapy.
OPTIONAL MARKERS FOR DYSLIPIDEMIA
- High-sensitivity CRP / Fibrinogen / Homocysteine Markers of vascular inflammation.
- Genetic Thrombophilia Testing
OPTIONAL CHECKS FOR STATIN USE
- ALT/AST Transaminases Check for drug-induced liver damage.
- CPK Check for drug-induced muscle damage – rhabdomyolysis.
IMAGING TESTS FOR DYSLIPIDEMIA PREVENTION
The following tests assess atherosclerotic disease based on age and personal/family history evaluation:
- Heart Triplex Ultrasound
- Carotid Triplex Ultrasound
INFORMATION ON LABORATORY TESTING
Your tests with analytical systems and reagents top quality SIEMENS-USA BECMAN COULTER-USA
PREPERATION AND BLOOD DRAW
- it is obligatory to take a meal the night before.
- the last meal should be taken up to 11-12 hours before the blood draw.
- the evening meal should have as little animal fat as possible (if it contains cheese, fatty dairy products and meat).
- in the morning no meal is taken, only coffee and a breadcrumb, with free consumption of water.
TIME OF RESULTS
- Results are given within a day
- For faster receipt, it is recommended to send the results by email
CHARGES
- EOPYY The individual examinations are prescribed and charged according to the referral
- PRIVATE BILLING
- The cost for basic parameters (cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, total lipids, atherogenic index) is €21.75 (initially €29).
- The complete profile with 11 parameters costs €67.50 (initially €90).
- Additional optional tests and triplex have extra charges.
Selected information with sources:
- MayoClinic.org
- Labtestsonline.org
- Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests – J.Wallach
The personalization of check-up considers multiple parameters of personal and family history.
Depending on the case, the selection of tests may require some not mentioned on this page.
The exact selection is the responsibility of your attending physician.
Edited by: Ioannis Gratsias, Lab Director / Clinical Biochemist
e – Booking via Doctor Anytime at: Cardiologist – Neurologist– Diagnostic Tests
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Appointment
At Check-Up Medicus you can come for a blood draw without an appointment
Cholesterol – Dyslipidemia Check-Up
Cholesterol and dyslipidemia are common health issues linked to cardiovascular risk and diseases. Through prevention, detection, and management of cholesterol and dyslipidemia, the risk of cardiovascular complications can be significantly reduced.
Cholesterol is a lipoprotein in the blood and an important component for cell function. However, high cholesterol levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Dyslipidemia refers to lipid metabolism dysfunction, including high cholesterol and triglycerides, and low levels of beneficial lipoproteins.
Risk factors for high cholesterol and dyslipidemia include genetic predisposition, poor diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and tobacco use. Additionally, certain conditions like diabetes and liver diseases can affect blood lipid levels.
Cholesterol – Dyslipidemia Check-Up
Detection of high cholesterol and dyslipidemia (Cholesterol – Dyslipidemia Check-Up) is usually done through blood tests measuring cholesterol and triglyceride levels. If levels are high, further tests may be recommended to assess cardiovascular risk and determine the appropriate management approach.
Management typically involves lifestyle changes and medication. Lifestyle changes include increasing physical activity, adopting a healthy diet, and reducing alcohol consumption and smoking. In some cases, medication may be necessary to achieve appropriate blood lipid levels.
In summary, high cholesterol and dyslipidemia are significant health issues related to cardiovascular risk. Prevention, detection, and management can reduce the risk of cardiovascular complications and maintain cardiovascular health.
Cholesterol – Dyslipidemia Check-Up