Did you know 2 out of 3 people in the UK have raised cholesterol levels? This home cholesterol test will help you monitor your cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is essential in the body in small amounts, it is a waxy, fat-like substance. Cholesterol plays an important role in how our cells work and it is responsible for making hormones too. Cholesterol is made in the liver in our body, and also obtained from substances in our diet, so it is important to know that cholesterol is essential to a healthy body but too much and we put our health at risk. It is all about getting the balance right!
Our cholesterol home test kit enables you to test at home so you can maintain a healthy lifestyle. This sterile rapid test determines whether your personal total cholesterol level is within normal limits:
It is simple! This cholesterol test requires just 1 drop of whole blood. Fast & reliable you'll have a visible result within 3 minutes.
Why is this home use cholesterol test important?
- 2 out of 3 people in the UK have raised cholesterol levels
- Everyone should regularly monitor their cholesterol level
- A high cholesterol level is a risk factor for hardening of the arteries, stroke and cardiac arrest
- Early detection along with lifestyle changes will help to decrease the risks.
- Regular home testing will help you monitor your own cholesterol levels
Why test for cholesterol levels?
Cholesterol is the least bothering but the most worrying substance. High cholesterol levels, coupled with other external and internal factors, increase the risk of heart and coronary diseases. Two out of three people in the UK have raised cholesterol levels.
Early detection of high cholesterol levels allows early preventive action and effective treatment.
Who is this cholesterol test for?
- Everyone, but strongly recommended for adults aged 40+.
- Strongly recommended for people suffering with diabetes, as they are at higher risk of heart and coronary disease.
What is the interpretation of results?
Where does cholesterol come from?
- Internal factor: Mostly genetically inherited from family and region.
- External factors: Smoking and alcohol, red meat and saturated fats, sugar and salt all contribute to higher cholesterol levels.
There is 'good' cholesterol and 'bad' cholesterol you need to differentiate between:
- HDL - high density lipoprotein that carries the so called "good cholesterol" from the body to the liver, where it is recycled or excreted. High levels of HDL are good, because they help the body protect itself from cardiovascular diseases.
- LDL - low density lipoprotein, carries the so called "bad cholesterol" around the body and deposits it in the arteries, causing hardening of the arteries.
What happens when cholesterol is high?
Fatty deposits in blood vessels can cause their hardening (Arteriosclerosis), which could lead to high blood pressure, angina, heart attack and CAD (Coronary Artery Disease). High cholesterol is not the only factor to consider: stress, smoking, little exercise, diabetes or family history of heart or coronary disease adds to the risk.
What if results show high cholesterol?
High overall cholesterol is not necessarily an indicator of ill health (consider HDL and LDL - good and bad cholesterol levels). Consult you doctor for re-testing and advice. Do not make any medical decisions without consulting your doctor. Reducing external influences and increasing exercise, intake of fresh fruit and vegetables, fish oils and water, might help reduce cholesterol levels.
Keeping a healthy cholesterol level is important - here's how you can help your body stay healthy:
- Reduce your consumption of saturated fats to a minimum, a saturated fat is usually one that is hard at room temperature.
- Grill, steam, boil and bake foods instead of frying and roasting.
- Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fibre foods are a must. Oatmeal contains soluble fibre which actually reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the "bad," cholesterol.
- Enjoy healthy snacks such as fruit, walnuts, almonds and other nuts, seeds, olives etc.
- Eat at least two portions of fish per week fish and omega-3 fatty acids are vital. One of your weekly fish portions should be an oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, pilchards or herring.
- Include foods enriched with plant stanols/sterols, which are clinically proven to lower ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.
- Move More! At least 30 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on five or more days of the week, .
- Avoid smoking.
- Try and manage your stress levels.
- Choose soya alternatives to dairy milk and yoghurt, soya desserts, soya meat alternatives, tofu, soya nuts,and edamame beans.