Some VLDL is cleared in the bloodstream. The rest is transformed into LDL by enzymes in the blood. LDL is largely made up of the following components by weight:. LDL carries cholesterol throughout your body.
Too much cholesterol in your body leads to high LDL levels. High LDL levels are also associated with the buildup of plaque in your arteries. These deposits can eventually lead to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis occurs when deposits of plaque have hardened and narrowed the artery.
This increases your risk for having a heart attack and stroke. Recent guidelines from the American Heart Association now focus on the overall risk for developing heart disease, rather than individual cholesterol results. Your levels of total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL, along with a variety of other factors, determine which treatment options are best for you.
Talk to your doctor about your cholesterol and how you can lower your risk for heart disease with diet, exercise, lifestyle changes, and medication, if needed. Most people will get their LDL level tested during a routine physical exam. LDL is usually tested as part of a cholesterol test.
The American Heart Association recommends all individuals over the age of 20 get their cholesterol checked every four to six years. Cholesterol levels may need to be followed up more frequently if your risk for heart disease is high or to monitor any treatment. VLDL is usually estimated based on your triglycerides level.
Triglycerides are also usually tested with a cholesterol test. Quitting smoking and decreasing alcohol consumption can be beneficial as well. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded.
When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore. You may need to fast for 9 to 12 hours before this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. You may feel slight pain or a sting when the needle is inserted.
You may also feel some throbbing at the site after the blood is drawn. You may have this test to help assess your risk for heart disease. Increased levels of VLDL are linked to atherosclerosis. This condition can lead to coronary heart disease. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
A high VLDL cholesterol level may be associated with a higher risk for heart disease and stroke. However, VLDL cholesterol level is rarely targeted when treatment for high cholesterol is done. Instead, LDL cholesterol level is more often the main target of therapy. Veins and arteries vary in size from one person to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.
There is no direct way of measuring VLDL.
0コメント