Healthy Life Package

Cholesterol is essential for life, as it is required by the body to work properly. It plays a role in the formation of cell membranes in all organs and tissues in the body. It is associated with the formation of hormones which are important for development, growth, and reproduction. It forms bile acids, which help to absorb nutrients from food. 

In the blood, a small amount of cholesterol circulates in the form of lipoproteins which contains protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, and phospholipid molecules. These are classified according to their density into HDL (high-density lipoproteins), LDL (low-density lipoproteins), and VLDL (very low-density lipoproteins). HDL cholesterol is also known as good cholesterol, as it carries excess cholesterol away for disposal while LDL cholesterol is also known as bad cholesterol, as it deposits cholesterol in tissues and organs. 

It is important to maintain and monitor the levels of cholesterol for a healthy lifestyle. The source of cholesterol is diet as well. If a person is taking too much of cholesterol-rich foods, it can cause a rise in levels of cholesterol in the blood. The amount of cholesterol which is not required by the body starts to deposit in the form of plaques on the walls of blood vessels. These plaques can narrow or block the blood vessels opening which can lead to the hardening of arteries known as atherosclerosis. Also, with an increase in cholesterol levels, there is an increased risk of various conditions such as heart disease and stroke. 

Creatinine is a waste product which is produced by the muscles due to the breakdown of a compound called Creatine. During the cycle of energy production which is required to contract muscles, creatine is produced. Kidneys remove creatinine from the body by filtering it from the blood and then releasing it into the urine. This test measures the amount of creatinine in the blood.

The body produces creatine and creatinine at a relatively same rate. Since kidneys filter most of the creatinine from the blood and release it into the urine, the blood levels can be used as an indicator to know how well the kidneys are functioning. The amount of creatinine produced depends upon the size of the person as well as their muscle mass. That is why levels of creatinine are higher in men as compared to women and children.

Triglycerides test measures the levels of triglycerides in the blood.

Triglycerides are a type of body fat (lipid). Chemically, triglycerides consist of three ("tri-") molecules of fatty acid combined with a molecule of the alcohol glycerol ("-glyceride").

High levels of triglycerides in the blood have been linked to atherosclerosis which increases the risk of heart disease (Coronary Artery Disease), peripheral artery disease, stroke and kidney disease. Atherosclerosis is a disease in which plaque (made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances) builds up inside the arteries (blood vessels) resulting in narrowing of the lumen. This restricts the flow of blood to the organs and other parts of the body. Signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis usually do not appear until severe or total blockage of the artery (blood vessel). Therefore, most people are not aware of atherosclerosis until they have a medical emergency, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Increased levels of triglycerides may also be seen in Metabolic syndrome (cluster of metabolic risk factors for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke). Very high triglyceride levels can also cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Triglycerides test is usually done as a part of lipid profile which includes other tests like cholesterol, HDL (High-density lipoprotein), LDL (Low-density lipoprotein), VLDL (Very low-density lipoprotein) also.