About Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in your blood. It is an important component of cell membranes and is used to produce hormones and bile. However, too much cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Cholesterol testing is a simple and quick test that measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood. This can help determine your risk of developing heart disease or stroke and allow you to make lifestyle changes to improve your health.

Types of Tests

There are two main types of cholesterol tests:

• LDL Cholesterol Test: Also known as the "bad" cholesterol, LDL cholesterol contributes to plaque buildup in your arteries and increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
• HDL Cholesterol Test: Also known as the "good" cholesterol, HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from your bloodstream and decreases your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Your doctor may also order a total cholesterol test, which measures both your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels, as well as your triglyceride levels.

Why Get Tested

There are several reasons why you may want to get a cholesterol test:

• To determine your risk of heart disease or stroke
• To monitor the effectiveness of lifestyle changes or cholesterol-lowering medications
• To identify any underlying health conditions that may be contributing to high cholesterol levels

Preparing for the Test

It is important to fast for 9 to 12 hours before your cholesterol test. This means no food or drinks (other than water) during this time. Your doctor may also ask you to avoid alcohol and stop taking certain medications before the test.

Test Results

The results of your cholesterol test will usually be available within a few days. Your doctor will interpret the results and discuss them with you, including any necessary lifestyle changes or treatments to improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

It is important to regularly monitor your cholesterol levels and make any necessary changes to maintain a healthy level and reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.