| Unit | mmol/L |
|---|---|
| Name | millimole per litre |
| Category | Blood Cholesterol |
| Details | In the field of blood cholesterol, mmol/L stands for millimoles per litre, which is a unit of concentration that measures the amount of a substance (in this case, cholesterol) in a specific volume of blood (1 litre). This unit is used to express the concentration of cholesterol in the blood to assess an individual's risk for cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the body and blood that is necessary for producing cell membranes, hormones, and vitamins. There are different types of cholesterol, such as high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol (often referred to as 'bad' cholesterol) can lead to the build-up of plaques in the arteries, which can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke. Blood cholesterol levels are typically measured using a blood test called a lipid profile, which provides readings for total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides. These results are then provided in concentrations using the unit mmol/L. Health care professionals analyze these concentrations to determine the individual's overall cholesterol levels and make recommendations for lifestyle changes or medications to reduce health risks associated with high cholesterol. |