Lipoprotein Tests
What Are Lipoprotein Tests and How Can They Help You?
Lipoproteins are substances that help carry cholesterol throughout your body. These substances are made of proteins and fats and they have a significant impact on your health. You will also hear the term "lipoprotein" when talking about lipid levels as these two elements are tightly connected.
Lipoprotein tests are designed to check your lipid or lipoprotein levels using a single blood sample. For example, lipoprotein labs can check your "good" cholesterol, "bad" cholesterol, and triglyceride levels at the same time. If your lipids are above normal ranges, you have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Keep reading to learn more about lipoproteins, lipids and how important it is to keep these substances within normal ranges.
Apolipoprotein B
Apolipoprotein B is a substance that can predict coronary artery disease with great accuracy. Coronary artery disease happens when the blood vessels that supply the heart are damaged. Apolipoprotein B can be a great indicator of coronary artery disease even if the patient has normal cholesterol levels.
You can order an Apo B test and see if you're at risk for coronary artery disease. Doctors usually recommend this test if your family has a history of heart disease or your lipid levels are significantly out of normal ranges.
Lipoprotein A
At the same time, lipoprotein A is a powerful predictor of atherosclerotic vascular disease. This is an illness that affects the heart and can lead to severe complications and even death if left untreated. Having high lipoprotein, A levels is similar to having high levels of LDL which is also commonly known as the "bad" cholesterol.
Your doctor might recommend checking lipoprotein A levels to detect premature coronary artery disease or other problems associated with your heart. Lipoprotein A, in combination with other lipid tests, can help medical doctors produce an accurate diagnosis and formulate an efficient treatment plan for the patient.
Cholesterol and Triglycerides
As you probably know already, cholesterol plays an important role when it comes to the health of your heart and circulatory system. As a general rule of thumb, cholesterol can be divided into low-density lipoprotein (LDL or "bad" cholesterol) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol). It's important to keep both within normal ranges.
At the same time, excess fat from the food you eat is stored by the body as triglycerides. The normal range for this substance is somewhere under 150 ng per dL of blood. If your triglyceride levels are higher, you have an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. Keeping both your cholesterol and triglycerides in check is paramount for flourishing health.
You might be happy to find out that you can also go for a more comprehensive panel that looks at your lipids in greater detail. For example, the Cardio IQ Panel looks at your cholesterol, triglycerides, lipoproteins as the size of lipid particles and their number. This is important to accurately diagnose certain conditions and see how well your cardiovascular system works.
What Happens If You Have High Lipoprotein Levels?
As mentioned earlier, high levels of lipoprotein in the body can significantly increase your chances of developing cardiovascular disease. For example, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels can lead to atherosclerosis. This means that your veins and arteries get thicker as cholesterol is deposited on the interior walls of your blood vessels. As a result, your blood pressure increases as well as your chances of developing blood clots.
Furthermore, high lipid levels can lead to heart attacks or a stroke. As blood vessels become thicker, plaque forms on the interior walls. This can lead to tears or ruptures in the blood vessels and blood clots will develop as a result. A blood clot can block thin veins and arteries. If a vein that supplies your heart becomes blocked, you'll have a heart attack. If a vein that supplies your brain becomes blocked, you'll have a stroke.
High lipid levels, particularly cholesterol, can also lead to chest pain and difficulty breathing in worst-case scenarios. These symptoms are usually accompanied by fatigue, dizziness, confusion, and lethargy. This happens because your vital organs don't get enough oxygen and nutrients as there's too much fat deposited in your body.
How to Reduce Lipoprotein Levels?
You might be happy to find out that you can do things to significantly improve lipoprotein levels. Basic lifestyle changes can have a tremendous positive impact on your health. For example:
- Losing weight can reduce triglyceride and LDL levels as well as increase HDL levels at the same time. This can easily be done by reducing the amount of junk food and/or sugary drinks in your diet
- Eating more fiber has a positive impact on your blood lipids. Try to incorporate more fiber in your diet by eating more fruit and vegetables as well as whole grains and seeds
- Working out more often is another way you can improve lipid levels. For example, you can begin a training regime at home or go to the gym and follow the instructions of an experienced instructor
- Taking omega-3 supplements can improve your lipid levels and help your heart perform its function better. Omega-3 supplements are affordable and they can provide long-term protection for your cardiovascular system
- Quitting smoking is another great way to reduce lipid levels. Studies show that smokers have an increased level of LDL and triglycerides in comparison with people who don't smoke. Every cigarette is loaded with hundreds of toxins and carcinogens, so quitting smoking will only lead to immense health benefits
Order Your Lipoprotein Test Today!
Keep in mind that everyone is advised to do a lipoprotein test or a lipid panel once every year. It's important to check your lipids and see how you stand when it comes to cholesterol and triglycerides. These substances significantly impact your long-term health and your doctor can help you interpret the test results.
Visit DiscountedLabs.com and browse through the numerous lipoprotein tests available at reduced prices. You can easily order your preferred test and get the results back in just a few business days!
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References:
Lipoproteins, cholesterol, and diet explained