What is the significance of blood cholesterol testing

It may also include cholesterol-lowering medications. The more proactive you are in making lifestyle changes and taking prescribed medications, the better results you will have. You can get an HDL test to find out the level of good cholesterol in your blood. High cholesterol levels can stem from your diet, especially if you eat foods high in saturated fats, like red meat and butter.

Sometimes, though, your…. Here's what you need to know about fasting before a blood test, including how long to fast for and if you can drink coffee. Cholesterol ratio can give you additional information about your heart disease risk. Learn what your numbers mean and how to use them to tailor your….

Learn more. You probably hear a lot about high cholesterol, but can your cholesterol be too low? The short answer is, yes.

Learn more about this condition. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Cholesterol Test. Who Is at Risk of High Cholesterol? What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure? Preparation for a Cholesterol Test. How Is a Cholesterol Test Performed? What Do the Test Results Mean? Next Steps and Treatment. Learn more about ways to lower cholesterol here. Cholesterol plays an important role in a range of bodily functions.

However, high levels of LDL cholesterol can put a person at risk of heart disease. A person should have an LDL cholesterol level test every 4—6 years. People with certain risk factors should undergo more frequent testing. Before having an LDL blood test, a person may need to fast for 9—12 hours. During the LDL blood test, a doctor will take a blood sample, which they will then send to a laboratory for testing. At-home cholesterol tests are a convenient way to check cholesterol levels.

Learn more about what cholesterol is, how to choose a test, and where to…. Eating a healthy diet is one way to keep cholesterol levels in check. Learn which foods to avoid and which to prioritize to maintain healthy….

High cholesterol is a risk factor for heart attacks and coronary heart disease, because it builds up in the arteries, narrowing them. It does not…. Having high cholesterol levels does not usually cause any symptoms. A lipoprotein panel, or lipid profile, test will check cholesterol levels. Natural ways to lower cholesterol include replacing trans fats and saturated…. What to know about LDL blood tests. About LDL tests. Types and accuracy. Why are LDL tests necessary? Who should get tested and when?

Before the test. During the test. Reading the results. Lifestyle, some health conditions, and family history can raise your risk for high cholesterol. Your doctor may suggest you have your cholesterol checked more often if you have risk factors, such as the following:.

Your doctor may tell you not to eat or drink anything except water for 9 to 12 hours before the test. A cholesterol test is a simple blood test. The results give you four measurements: 1,3. Talk to your doctor about your numbers. Your risk of disease depends on other factors, too, in combination with high cholesterol. To keep your cholesterol managed, you should do the following:.

Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Learn more about cholesterol screenings. Heart disease and stroke statistics— update: a report from the American Heart Association external icon.