A fasting blood cholesterol test is the best to
determine if you have high cholesterol.
How
Do I Prepare for the Test?
You
need to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test.
That means you may not eat during this time, and
you may drink only water, or coffee or tea with
no cream, milk, or sugar. The following may affect
your results:
- illness
or pregnancy
- recent
injury or surgery
- recent
major change in your diet
If
any of these applies to you, your doctor will want
to reschedule your test for another time. In addition,
if you've had a recent heart attack,
your cholesterol levels may be lower than usual
for up to 12 weeks after the attack.
What
Is the Test Like?
Your
doctor will take a simple blood sample by drawing
a vial of blood from your arm. The blood is then
analyzed at lab.
What
Does the Test Measure?
A
fasting blood test measures your total cholesterol,
your HDL cholesterol, your
LDL cholesterol, and your triglycerides.
How
Often Do I Need It?
In general, healthy adults age 20 and older need
a cholesterol screening at least every 5 years.
You may need the test more often if you have had
high cholesterol or if you have diabetes. Your doctor
may tell how often you need the test.
