TRADE UNIONS WORKING TO PROTECT THE 
HEALTH OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS 
TRADE UNIONS WORKING TO PROTECT THE 
HEALTH OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS 

CHOLESTEROL 

Cholesterol is a lipid (fat) which is produced by the liver. Cholesterol is vital for normal body function but high cholesterol levels increase the risk of coronary heart disease and disease of the arteries. 
 
There are three main types: 
 
LOW-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (LDL), OFTEN KNOWN AS BAD CHOLESTEROL - THIS CARRIES CHOLESTEROL FROM THE LIVER TO THE CELLS AND, IF SUPPLY EXCEEDS DEMAND, CAN CAUSE HARMFUL BUILD-UP OF CHOLESTEROL 
 
HIGH-DENSITY LIPOPROTEIN (HDL), OR GOOD CHOLESTEROL - THIS TAKES CHOLESTEROL AWAY FROM THE CELLS AND BACK TO THE LIVER, WHERE IT'S EITHER BROKEN DOWN OR EXCRETED 
 
TRIGLYCERIDES - SIMPLY PUT, TRIGLYCERIDES ARE FAT IN THE BLOOD, AND A HIGH TRIGLYCERIDE LEVEL CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF HEART DISEASE 
 

 WHY IS YOUR CHOLESTEROL IMPORTANT? 

Each year over 10,000 people die from cardiovascular disease in Ireland, your blood cholesterol level has a lot to do with your chances of getting heart disease. High blood cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease. Heart disease is the number one killer of women and men in Ireland with 22% of premature deaths (under age 65) caused by cardiovascular disease. 
 
The higher your blood cholesterol level, the greater your risks for developing heart disease or having a heart attack. To help gauge your cardiovascular health you need to establish your cholesterol levels as this can be a good indicator, this cannot be taken in isolation as other factors need to be taken into account. A cholesterol test is quick and easy and takes only from 3-12 minutes depending on the type of sample with results available instantly. 
 

 WHAT TO EXPECT? 

The process involves a simple finger prick. It is then processed by our state of the art biochemistry analysers which produces a full cholesterol profile result instantly. Depending on your results the screening nurse will provide either lifestyle advice on how to reducing cholesterol or a referral to your GP may be recommended for further investigation. 
 
The test is carried out by a registered nurse and both internal and external quality control procedures are in place to ensure that your cholesterol results are accurate at the time of testing. 
 
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