A significant marker of overall health is cholesterol levels. High cholesterol is commonly known as “silent killer” as there are no visible symptoms that indicate high cholesterol levels in the body but this condition can lead to serious health issues like heart disease and stroke. A cholesterol test is the only way in diagnosing abnormal levels of cholesterol as a preventive measure. For those in Dubai, the convenience of taking a cholesterol test at home is revolutionizing healthcare, making it easier than ever to monitor your health.
What is a Cholesterol Test?
A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid profile test, measures the levels of different types of fats in the blood. Fats are an essential part of human body but any abnormality in the fat levels can lead to serious health issues. There are good and bad fats and a cholesterol test at home in Dubai helps identify how much of these good and bad fats are present in the body giving a snapshot of your cardiovascular health. Doctors recommend for people over 20 years of age to take a cholesterol test at home at least once every 4-6 years as a preventive measure.
Parameters Measured in a Cholesterol Test
A typical cholesterol test measures four key parameters:
- Total Cholesterol – This is the overall amount of cholesterol in the blood. This does not differentiate between good/bad cholesterol. The ideal amount of total cholesterol in the human body should be below 200 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
- Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – Often called the “bad cholesterol” LDL can accumulate in the arteries leading up to plaque buildup and narrowing of the arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease. A healthy level of LDL should be below 100 mg/dL.
- High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – Also known as “good cholesterol”, HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood and takes it to the liver where is broken down and eliminated. An optimal level of HDL is above 60 mg/dL.
- Triglycerides – These are another type of fats found in the blood. Normal triglyceride levels are below 150 mg/dL. Higher levels of this fat combined with abnormal levels of LDL and HDL raises the risk of heart diseases.
Why Should You Take a Cholesterol Test?
Known as a silent killer as it doesn’t show any visible symptoms until some serious health issue occurs. The only way to know abnormal levels is through a cholesterol test at home. For people with the following risk factors, regular screening is crucial:
Family History – If heart diseases are common in your family, you may be at a higher risk of cholesterol problems.
Diet & Lifestyle – A diet high in saturated fats, smoking, drinking and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to high cholesterol.
Age & Gender – cholesterol sediments in arteries as you age. Men are at a higher risk earlier in life than women.
Medical Conditions – Medical issues like diabetes, obesity and hypertension often accompany high cholesterol and related problems.
Cholesterol in the UAE
In a 2020 report by the Dubai Health Authority, cardiovascular diseases account for nearly 30% of all deaths in UAE. The report also cited as the rise in cholesterol related diseases as concerning with one in five adults having abnormal cholesterol levels. Many people are unaware of their condition, which increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Dubai residents are mostly health conscious, especially after the COVID pandemic. More residents are now opting for blood tests at home as a preventive measure to avoid complications. As awareness grows, people are routinely getting cholesterol tests at home in Dubai to avoid cardiovascular and other problems.
Maintaining Healthy Cholesterol Levels
Preventive care is the most effective way to keep cholesterol levels in check. Some practical steps to help maintain a healthy balance are:
- Dietary Change – Opt for healthier foods, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and low-fat foods.
- Exercise Regularly – Physical activity boosts HDL levels and lowers LDL. 150 minutes of moderate physical activity can significantly impact health.
- Quit Smoking – Smoking lowers HDL cholesterol and is a leading cause of blockages in blood vessels.
- Medication – In some cases, lifestyle changes alone might not be enough, and medication such as statins may be prescribed to help lower LDL levels.
Benefits of Taking a Cholesterol Test at Home in Dubai
Convenience: No need to visit a clinic or a hospital. A DHA certified nurse comes to your home, saving you time and eliminating the hassle of commuting.
Comfort: Get tested in the comfort of your home to reduce stress. Especially for individuals with anxiety issues during medical visits.
Privacy: Privacy is important for people, especially in medical matters. At home cholesterol testing provides a discreet and confidential service.
Accessibility: Whether you are managing a busy schedule or have mobility issues, this service ensures you don’t miss out on essential health checks.
How is a Cholesterol Test Done?
With advancing technology, taking a cholesterol test at home in Dubai has become straightforward. Here’s how it typically works:
- Appointment Booking – One phone call can setup your appointment. You provide the details of your address and convenient time for sample collection.
- Sample Collection – A DHA certified nurse arrives at the location for taking the blood sample. Usually all kinds of blood tests can be done with one blood sample.
- Laboratory Analysis – Collected sample is analyzed at a DHA certified lab.
- Results – The results are shared with you through a secure online portal in complete privacy and discretion.
- Consultation – Once you receive the results, you can get consultation from a DHA certified medical professional to interpret the results and discuss any necessary treatments.
Conclusion
Stay proactive, know your numbers, and make informed decisions that could save your life. After all, prevention is always better than cure, especially when it comes to something as vital as your heart.
By utilizing the ease of cholesterol testing at home in Dubai, residents can take charge of their health without sacrificing convenience. Whether you’re looking for peace of mind or catching potential issues early, this service ensures you stay on top of your health game, making Dubai’s healthcare system more efficient and accessible than ever.
