The Marion County Health Department offers cholesterol screenings using a
Cholestech LDX system. The system measures a complete lipid profile in only five
minutes from a simple finger stick. The patient will receive a print-out of the results
immediately. This screening is offered for only $25.00.
The machine measures the total cholesterol, low-density
lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and
a total cholesterol- high-density lipoprotein ration.
Handouts will also be available outlining acceptable lipid
profile ranges.
By appointment only. Please call 548-3878 to schedule
an appointment in Salem, or call 532-6518 to schedule
an appointment in Centralia.
Cholestech LDX system. The system measures a complete lipid profile in only five
minutes from a simple finger stick. The patient will receive a print-out of the results
immediately. This screening is offered for only $25.00.
The machine measures the total cholesterol, low-density
lipoproteins, high-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, and
a total cholesterol- high-density lipoprotein ration.
Handouts will also be available outlining acceptable lipid
profile ranges.
By appointment only. Please call 548-3878 to schedule
an appointment in Salem, or call 532-6518 to schedule
an appointment in Centralia.
| Cholesterol |
More on Cholesterol....
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and found in certain foods, such
as food from animals, like dairy products (whole milk), eggs and meat.
The body needs some cholesterol in order to function properly. Its cell walls, or membranes,
need cholesterol in order to produce hormones, vitamin D and the bile acids that help to
digest fat. But, the body needs only a small amount of cholesterol to meet its needs. When
too much is present health problems such as coronary heart disease may develop.
High Cholesterol: Understanding Cholesterol Numbers
Cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every five years by everyone over the
age of 20. The test that is usually performed is a blood test called a lipoprotein profile. The
lipoprotein profile includes:
LDL (low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol)
HDL (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol)
Triglycerides (fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Excess calories, alcohol or
sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the
body.)
Results of your blood test will come in the forms of numbers.
Here is how to interpret your cholesterol numbers:
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your chances of
getting heart disease. That is why LDL cholesterol is referred to as "bad" cholesterol. The
lower your LDL cholesterol number, the better it is for your health. The table below explains
what the numbers mean.
If you have heart disease or blood vessel disease, some experts recommend that you
should try to get your LDL cholesterol below 70. For people with diabetes or other multiple
risk factors for heart disease, the treatment goal is to reach an LDL of less than 100.
HDL Cholesterol
When it comes to HDL cholesterol -- "good" cholesterol -- the higher the number, the better
it is for your health. This is because HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by
taking the "bad" cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from building up in your
arteries. The table below explains what the numbers mean.
HDL Cholesterol HDL-Cholesterol Category
60 and above Optimal; helps to lower risk of heart disease
Less than 40 in men and less than 50 in women Low; considered a risk factor for heart
disease
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and the body. A high
triglyceride level has been linked to the occurrence of coronary artery disease in some
people. Here's the breakdown.
Total Cholesterol
Your total blood cholesterol is a measure of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and other lipid
components. Doctors recommend total cholesterol levels below 200
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance made in the liver and found in certain foods, such
as food from animals, like dairy products (whole milk), eggs and meat.
The body needs some cholesterol in order to function properly. Its cell walls, or membranes,
need cholesterol in order to produce hormones, vitamin D and the bile acids that help to
digest fat. But, the body needs only a small amount of cholesterol to meet its needs. When
too much is present health problems such as coronary heart disease may develop.
High Cholesterol: Understanding Cholesterol Numbers
Cholesterol levels should be measured at least once every five years by everyone over the
age of 20. The test that is usually performed is a blood test called a lipoprotein profile. The
lipoprotein profile includes:
LDL (low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol)
HDL (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol)
Triglycerides (fats carried in the blood from the food we eat. Excess calories, alcohol or
sugar in the body are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells throughout the
body.)
Results of your blood test will come in the forms of numbers.
Here is how to interpret your cholesterol numbers:
LDL Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol can build up on the walls of your arteries and increase your chances of
getting heart disease. That is why LDL cholesterol is referred to as "bad" cholesterol. The
lower your LDL cholesterol number, the better it is for your health. The table below explains
what the numbers mean.
- LDL Cholesterol LDL-Cholesterol Category
Less than 100.......................Optimal
100 - 129..............................Near optimal/above optimal
130 - 159..............................Borderline high
160 - 189..............................High
190 and above......................Very high
If you have heart disease or blood vessel disease, some experts recommend that you
should try to get your LDL cholesterol below 70. For people with diabetes or other multiple
risk factors for heart disease, the treatment goal is to reach an LDL of less than 100.
HDL Cholesterol
When it comes to HDL cholesterol -- "good" cholesterol -- the higher the number, the better
it is for your health. This is because HDL cholesterol protects against heart disease by
taking the "bad" cholesterol out of your blood and keeping it from building up in your
arteries. The table below explains what the numbers mean.
HDL Cholesterol HDL-Cholesterol Category
60 and above Optimal; helps to lower risk of heart disease
Less than 40 in men and less than 50 in women Low; considered a risk factor for heart
disease
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and the body. A high
triglyceride level has been linked to the occurrence of coronary artery disease in some
people. Here's the breakdown.
- Triglycerides Triglyceride Category
Less than 150........................Normal
150 - 199...............................Borderline high
200 - 499...............................High
500 or higher.........................Very high
Total Cholesterol
Your total blood cholesterol is a measure of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and other lipid
components. Doctors recommend total cholesterol levels below 200
- Total Cholesterol Category
Less than 200.......................Desirable
200 - 239..............................Borderline High
240 and above......................High