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Cholesterol test
For infants and children: The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and previous experiences. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics: How the test will feel:
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When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing. Why the test is performed:
This test is often performed to evaluate risks for heart disease.
Cholesterol is an important normal body constituent, used in the structure of cell membranes, synthesis of bile acids, and synthesis of steroid hormones. Since cholesterol is water insoluble, most serum (the noncellular portion of blood) cholesterol is carried by lipoproteins (chylomicrons, VLDL, LDL, and HDL). The term "LDL" usually refers to LDL-cholesterol and "HDL" means HDL-cholesterol. The term "cholesterol" usually means total cholesterol (VLDL + LDL + HDL). However, total cholesterol measurements are not used as much these days to determine risk for heart disease. Chylomicrons are lipoproteins that are present shortly after a meal but disappear within about 2 hours in "normal" individuals. Triglycerides are another component commonly measured in a lipid or cholesterol test. Triglycerides are compounds used by the body to move fatty acids (formed when fats or oils are consumed) through the blood. These fatty acids may be used by the body for energy or stored (as fat) for later use.
Excess cholesterol in the blood has been correlated with cardiovascular disease. High triglycerides are now associated with heart disease as well. LDL is sometimes referred to as "bad" cholesterol, because elevated levels of LDL correlate most directly with coronary heart disease.
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