Cholesterol Test

A cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile, measures the levels of different types of cholesterol and fats in your blood. Cholesterol is a waxy substance that your body needs to build cells, but too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

The test measures several types of fats in your blood, including "good" cholesterol (HDL), "bad" cholesterol (LDL), total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Understanding these numbers helps assess your risk for cardiovascular disease and guides treatment decisions.

A cholesterol test measures:

• Total Cholesterol: Overall cholesterol level
• LDL Cholesterol: "Bad" cholesterol (can build up in arteries)
• HDL Cholesterol: "Good" cholesterol (helps remove LDL)
• Triglycerides: Type of fat in blood
• Non-HDL Cholesterol: Total minus HDL (another risk indicator)

Why It Matters:

• High LDL increases heart disease risk
• Low HDL increases heart disease risk
• High triglycerides increase risk
• Combined with other factors, guides treatment

Fasting Usually Required:

• Fast for 9-12 hours before test
• Only water allowed during fasting
• No food or other drinks
• Take medications as usual (unless told otherwise)
• Schedule test in morning (easier to fast)

If Non-Fasting Test:

• Some tests don't require fasting
• Follow your doctor's instructions
• Can eat and drink normally

Before the Test:

• Follow fasting instructions carefully
• Stay hydrated (water only)
• Take medications as usual
• Wear clothing with easy access to arms

During the Test:

1. You'll sit or lie down
2. A tourniquet is applied to your upper arm
3. The area is cleaned with antiseptic
4. A needle is inserted into a vein
5. Blood is collected into tubes
6. The needle is removed and pressure applied
7. A bandage is placed over the site

After the Test:

• Keep the bandage on for a few hours
• Avoid heavy lifting with that arm
• Minor bruising is normal
• You can eat after the test
• Results usually available in 1-3 days

Target Levels (may vary by guidelines):

Total Cholesterol:

• Desirable: <200 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 200-239 mg/dL
• High: ≥240 mg/dL

LDL Cholesterol ("Bad"):

• Optimal: <100 mg/dL
• Near optimal: 100-129 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 130-159 mg/dL
• High: 160-189 mg/dL
• Very high: ≥190 mg/dL

HDL Cholesterol ("Good"):

• Low (risk): <40 mg/dL (men), <50 mg/dL (women)
• Better: 40-59 mg/dL
• Best: ≥60 mg/dL

Triglycerides:

• Normal: <150 mg/dL
• Borderline high: 150-199 mg/dL
• High: 200-499 mg/dL
• Very high: ≥500 mg/dL

Important: Your doctor will interpret results in context of your overall cardiovascular risk, including age, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and family history.

• Results outside target range
• Need to discuss treatment options
• Questions about results
• Need for lifestyle changes
• Consideration of medications
• Follow-up testing needed

• Results within target range
• Understanding your results
• Following recommended lifestyle changes
• Regular monitoring scheduled

If Levels Are High:

1. Lifestyle Changes (first-line):

   • Heart-healthy diet
   • Regular exercise
   • Weight management
   • Quit smoking
   • Limit alcohol

2. Medications (if lifestyle changes insufficient):

   • Statins (most common)
   • Other cholesterol-lowering medications
   • As prescribed by doctor

3. Regular Monitoring:

   • Repeat tests as recommended
   • Usually every 4-12 weeks initially
   • Then every 6-12 months once controlled

Maintain Healthy Cholesterol:

• Eat Heart-Healthy Diet:
  • Limit saturated and trans fats
  • Increase fruits and vegetables
  • Choose whole grains
  • Include healthy fats
• Exercise Regularly: At least 150 minutes per week
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Excess weight increases cholesterol
• Don't Smoke: Smoking lowers HDL
• Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol increases triglycerides
• Get Regular Check-ups: Early detection and treatment

Cholesterol in the Body:

• Your body makes cholesterol
• You also get it from food
• Needed for cell function
• Too much can build up in arteries

High Cholesterol Effects:

• Builds up in artery walls
• Forms plaques
• Narrows arteries
• Increases heart attack and stroke risk

Risk Factors:

• Diet high in saturated/trans fats
• Lack of exercise
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Age
• Family history
• Diabetes
• Other conditions

• Should be checked regularly
• Starting at age 20 (recommended)
• Every 4-6 years if normal
• More often if high or at risk

• Continue monitoring
• May need medications
• Higher risk of heart disease
• Regular check-ups important

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Family history
• Previous heart disease
• May need more frequent testing
• May need lower targets

If you're 20 or older with no risk factors, every 4-6 years. If you have risk factors or high cholesterol, more frequently (as recommended by your doctor).

Usually yes, for 9-12 hours. However, some newer tests don't require fasting. Follow your doctor's specific instructions.

For some people, yes. Lifestyle changes can significantly improve cholesterol. However, some people also need medications, especially if levels are very high or if you have other risk factors.

LDL is "bad" cholesterol that can build up in arteries. HDL is "good" cholesterol that helps remove LDL from arteries. You want low LDL and high HDL.

Not always. Lifestyle changes are tried first. Medications are considered if lifestyle changes aren't sufficient, if levels are very high, or if you have other cardiovascular risk factors.