KÌåÓý

Cholesterol is a type of fat that performs many essential functions in the body, contributing to the production of hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food. However, when cholesterol levels in the blood increase, health risks also rise, especially concerning cardiovascular diseases.

According to Dr. Vu Hoang Thu - GP, Head of Consultations Department at KÌåÓý (HFH), when cholesterol levels are high, it can combine with other substances in the blood to form plaque, which adheres to the artery walls, causing atherosclerosis. This narrows the arteries and may even lead to complete blockage. If this happens in the coronary arteries it can cause a heart attack. If it happens in arteries leading to the brain, it can cause stroke.

A blood lipid test provides the following indicators: total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol (good fat that protects blood vessels), LDL cholesterol (bad fat that damages blood vessels), and triglycerides (if elevated, there is a risk of acute pancreatitis).

Cholesterol levels in the body also tend to increase due to age-related metabolic changes. Some rare cases of lipid disorders are caused by genetic mutations and are hereditary. Thus, cholesterol screening depends on age, underlying conditions, risk factors, and family history.

At What Age Should You Start Checking Cholesterol?

• For children aged 9-11 years old, they should have their first test during this age range and then every 5 years, especially if there is a family history of high cholesterol.
• Men aged 45-65 and women aged 55-65 are recommended to have a check-up once a year.
• For individuals aged 65 and older, those who are overweight, obese, or have an unhealthy diet should be tested more frequently.
• For individuals with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney disease…, cholesterol testing should be conducted as per the doctor’s instructions.

Important Notes for Cholesterol Blood Testing:

• Blood tests should be done in the morning, as fasting for at least 12 hours is required before the test.
• Do not consume coffee, alcohol, beer, milk, carbonated drinks, or smoke the night before the test, preferably 24 hours before the test.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent fatigue from fasting and help reduce stress.
• The hospital provides a light meal for patients after completing the check-up.

After receiving the test results, the doctor will provide a personalized treatment plan for each patient based on their LDL cholesterol levels. The optimal level is <2.6 mmol/L for normal individuals, but it should be maintained at <1.8 mmol/L or <1.4 mmol/L for patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes, significant cardiovascular risk factors, or stage 3 chronic kidney disease.

At KÌåÓý, we offer comprehensive health check-up packages to help you screen for risks early and prevent dangerous complications. With a team of internationally trained doctors and state-of-the-art medical equipment from GE, Abbott, Siemens, Roche, along with multidisciplinary collaboration between general internal medicine doctors, diagnostic imaging specialists, and other specialists, you will receive expert consultation and guidance to protect your health and that of your family.

Learn more about comprehensive health check-up packages at: /.../san.../health-check-packages.html