Monitoring cholesterol levels is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. Cholesterol, a waxy substance found in the blood, can accumulate in arteries, forming plaques that narrow the passageway for blood flow. Elevated cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications.
Regular cholesterol checks are essential for early detection and management. Various methods exist to check cholesterol levels, including blood tests, finger prick tests, and home cholesterol monitors. Blood tests, performed in a laboratory, provide a detailed lipid profile, measuring total cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Finger prick tests, available at pharmacies and clinics, offer a quick and convenient way to estimate cholesterol levels. Home cholesterol monitors allow individuals to track their cholesterol levels over time, providing valuable information for managing their cholesterol levels.