Cholesterol counts—learn about your levels with the St. Elizabeth Lab Draw Stations So what are your cholesterol numbers? If you're drawing a blank right now, it could mean you're overdue for the routine blood test that helps give a heads-up on your risk for heart problems or a stroke. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that helps our bodies function properly. The liver makes the cholesterol we need, but we can get more from what we eat. The two main types of cholesterol are: • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol. Excess amounts can build up in the walls of arteries, narrowing the passageways and reducing blood flow to the heart and brain. This is called atherosclerosis—or hardening of the arteries—and it increases your risk for heart disease, a heart attack or a stroke. • High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or good cholesterol. It helps clear excess cholesterol from blood vessels. Keeping cholesterol levels in a healthy range helps reduce
St. Elizabeth Lab Draw Stations
your risk for cardiovascular disease. But you won't know if your numbers need improving unless you have them checked. A simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile reveals your total cholesterol count, as well as levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol and another type of fat called triglycerides. Most adults should be tested at least every five years, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Let the team of experts at the St. Elizabeth Lab Draw Stations in Red Bluff and Corning help you.
cholesterol checked then schedule your appointment with the St. Elizabeth Lab Draw Station in Red Bluff or Corning, and learn your numbers. This test and many others are available at our three locations; Solano Street in Corning at the Rolling Hills Clinic, in the Imaging Center on the St. Elizabeth Community Hospital campus and in the main hospital.
Take the first step. Ask your doctor about having your
redbluff.mercy.org
530.529.8000
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