High cholesterol is diagnosed through a blood test called a lipid profile. This test measures:
• Total cholesterol levels
• Low-density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol) levels
• High-density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol) levels
• Triglycerides, which are a type of fat in the blood
A physical examination and further blood tests checking for diabetes and hypertension may also be performed by a physician.
There is no definite list of symptoms that signify high cholesterol levels, but smokers and older individuals who suffer from high cholesterol usually develop long-term health problems such as:
• Hypertension
• Myocardial infarction
• Stroke
• Atherosclerosis
• Heart disease
• Blood clots
Identifying high cholesterol may help in avoiding serious health problems. Only a licensed medical practitioner or health care professional can diagnose high cholesterol.
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