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The Lowdown on Cholesterol Tests: What You Need to Know

Why Cholesterol Matters

Cholesterol is often viewed as the villain of the health world, but it’s actually a vital component of our bodies. Produced by the liver and found in certain foods, cholesterol plays a crucial role in maintaining our overall health. However, when levels get too high, it can increase the risk of stroke, heart attack, and heart disease.

The Importance of Cholesterol Tests

The American Heart Association recommends getting your cholesterol tested every 4 to 6 years starting at age 20. The test, also known as a lipid panel, involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein to measure cholesterol levels. But do you need to fast before the test, or can you enjoy breakfast as usual?

Fasting: To Eat or Not to Eat?

In the past, doctors often required patients to fast before cholesterol tests, believing that eating affected lipid levels and distorted LDL cholesterol readings. However, recent research suggests that fasting has minimal impact on test results. In fact, testing after eating may better predict cardiovascular risk.

New Guidelines: What You Need to Know

According to recent guidelines from the American College of Cardiology, if you’re not taking statins, you might not need to fast before the test. However, it’s essential to consult with your doctor, as they may still recommend fasting to ensure accurate results.

Statins and Fasting

If you’re taking statins, you’ll likely need to fast for 9 to 12 hours before the test to avoid skewed results. Be sure to check with your doctor to confirm.

Preparing for the Test

If you do need to fast, don’t stress. Here are some tips to help you prepare:

• Hydrate with water beforehand, but avoid juice, soda, and other drinks.
• Skip alcohol for at least 24 hours before the test.
• Avoid fatty foods the night before the test.
• Consider skipping heavy exercise on the day of the test.
• Avoid certain medications that may affect results.

Understanding Your Results

After the test, your doctor will explain your total lipid profile, including your:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol (the “bad guy”)
• HDL cholesterol (the “good guy”)
• Triglycerides

What Do Your Results Mean?

Your doctor will advise whether your results appear normal, at-risk, or high. Here are the adult recommendations according to the American Heart Association’s 2018 guidelines:

• Total cholesterol: below 200 (good), 200-239 (borderline), 240+ (high)
• LDL cholesterol: below 100 (good), 130-159 (borderline), 160+ (high)
• HDL cholesterol: 60+ (good), 50+ for women and 40+ for men (acceptable), below 40 (low)
• Triglycerides: below 149 (good), 150-199 (borderline), 200+ (high)

Risky Results? What to Expect

If your results come back borderline or high, don’t panic. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as:

• Eating more fruits, veggies, and whole grains
• Cutting back on saturated fats
• Exercising regularly
• Limiting alcohol intake
• Quitting smoking

In some cases, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol medication. With the right approach, you can bring down your levels and boost your health.