VLDL Cholesterol

What are the other names for this test?

Very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol test

What is VLDL cholesterol?

A VLDL (Very Low-density lipoprotein) test helps to measure the quantity of VLDL in your blood. VLDL cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. High VLDL cholesterol levels can deposit in your arteries which may result in heart-related disease and cardiovascular disease (CDV).

Cholesterol is a fat substance similar to wax. It is present in all cells of your body. Your liver produces cholesterol in your body and is also available in foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products. Cholesterol is a significant element for your body in a few amounts. Generally, there are two forms of cholesterol LDL (Low-density lipoprotein) and HDL (High-density lipoprotein). LDL and HDL are considered bad cholesterol and good cholesterol, respectively. LDL collects cholesterol and fats in the cells of your body. HDL moves cholesterol in your liver to remove it from your body.

VLDL also develops in your liver and comes into your blood vessels. VLDL contains triglycerides, which are also fat. Near about sixty percent of VLDL particles carries triglyceride. In a more specific case, VLDL is a type of LDL (low-density lipid protein) cholesterol. LDL contains cholesterol in your tissues, while VLDL possesses triglycerides. If you have high levels of triglycerides in your blood, it may show a risk for non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease in people.

VLDL and LDL may lead to the formation of plaque in your arteries. A plaque is a film of bacteria produced by fat, calcium, and other substances in your blood. This deposition of plaque is also called atherosclerosis. With time the plaque becomes hard with contraction occurring in your arteries. It stops the oxygen supply to your blood and may lead to heart problems and coronary artery disease. It is always necessary for the survival of cells to get an oxygen supply.

What is the purpose of the test?

This test helps to diagnose the VLDL levels in your blood. This test screens for cardiovascular disease (a group of heart and blood vessel diseases). In general, adults can take this test every 4 to 6 years. A VLDL test often conducts along with a combination of other tests in a lipid profile. A lipid profile test can measure total cholesterol, HDL, and LDL.

When do I need this test?

Your healthcare provider recommends this test if you have a chance to develop cardiovascular (CVD) disease. Following are some risk elements that may lead to CVD, such as
 

• Old age and men-gender
• Family history
• High blood pressure
• Overweight/unexpected weight gain
• Inactive lifestyle
• Diabetes (High blood sugar)

What is the procedure for the test?

You will ask to provide a blood sample for this lab test. A small needle goes into a vein in your arm to collect a blood sample in a test tube. A bandage applies to your vein. The test does not take time greater than 5 minutes.

How do I need to prepare for the test?

You may need to stop taking certain medicines that can affect your test results. Your provider will inform you about any specific instructions for the VLDL cholesterol test until you do not need to prepare for the test. If you may need to order additional blood tests, you have to keep fast for at least 9 to 12 hours before the test. You can also inform your provider if you are using medicines, vitamins, and supplements. Your provider may also ask you to avoid the intake of alcohol for at least 24 hours.

What are the risks of this test?

A VLDL cholesterol test is a blood test that does not have a high risk. You may experience a little pain at the point in your vein from where the blood collects. A chance of bleeding or bruising may also occur, but generally, these signs do not last long.

What is the recommended range of the VLDL cholesterol test?

The recommended results for VLDL cholesterol levels lie between 2 and 30 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter). A higher VLDL level than 30 mg/dL or 0.77 millimoles per liter (mmol/l) may indicate that you may experience heart disease and stroke.

What do the test results mean?

The test results for VLDL depend on age, gender, medical history, and other factors. Your lab test results may differ among laboratories. Each lab may use different measurement methods.

The test results were obtained by dividing the triglycerides level by five if the measurement is in mg/dL or 2.2 if it is in mmol/l. You can set up an online meetup with a doctor to understand your test result for VLDL levels.

How can I reduce my VLDL cholesterol levels?

You can lower your VLDL levels by decreasing the number of triglycerides. You can also follow these steps include:
 

• Losing weight
• Taking part in physical activity
• Avoid highly sugary and saturated foods such as red meat, fried food, processed meat, etc.
• Add fruits and vegetables to your diet
• Avoid smoking
• Reduce or stop the intake of alcohol

In some people, physical activities and maintaining weight are not enough to reduce VLDL cholesterol levels. Your healthcare provider recommends specific medicines to lower the VLDL levels.

What additional tests may I need to conduct along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may also order these additional tests to observe your cholesterol levels in your body. These tests include total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and HDL (good) cholesterol.

What factors may affect the test?

There are no factors that may change your test results.

You can click here to conduct an online test for VLDL cholesterol. Umbrella Health Care Systems is the platform that provides all solutions for your health problems. Register now to get tested while you are at home.