| Home Test Kits for Cholesterol |
|
That said, it is highly imperative for us to monitor cholesterol levels in the bloodstream as it can lead to creation of medical complications such as coronary artery disease and atherosclerotic plaque. Tests can be conducted to monitor cholesterol either at specialised labs or at home. While it is always advisable to go for tests at a lab, costs might force people to look for alternate home-based options. Home Cholesterol Tests– Are They Reliable? Cholesterol tests conducted at home are now becoming increasingly popular, pushed primarily by the rising costs of healthcare. The market is flooded with cholesterol test kits of different kinds. All of them perform the same function, that of measuring total cholesterol.However, some of them also provide additional results (such as the levels of triglycerides, LDL and HDL as well. While this sounds extremely easy, the results of the test are not always reliable. There are numerous factors which can have a tremendous impact on the test results. Factors such as fasting and smoking can interfere with accuracy of the results. However, this does not mean the lab tests would remain unaffected. The same factors are at work in clinical labs as well. Bottom-line–Home Tests or Lab Tests The important question is not to simply know the level of cholesterol in your blood but to take remedial steps to reduce cholesterol . A careful assessment of triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol is important to formulate ways to manage cholesterol. The greater the accuracy of assessment, the better would be the plan to deal with cholesterol. They are fast and easy. Agreed! Still consult your physician about it. What matters is a proper assessment of the risk that the level of cholesterol poses to your health. So, you are always advised to get lab cholesterol tests done even if you are regularly checking cholesterol levels at home. For the results might vary a lot at times. Related Articles
|