Cholesterol Test
Overview
A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel, is a simple blood test that measures different types of fats in the bloodstream. These include cholesterol and triglycerides. This test provides important information about a person’s risk for heart problems.
Over time, high cholesterol levels can cause plaque to build up inside the arteries. Cholesterol, fats, and other substances form plaque. This buildup narrows or blocks arteries, leading to a condition called atherosclerosis. Key cholesterol readings include:
| Lipid Type | What It Measures |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Total amount of cholesterol in the blood. |
| LDL (“bad” cholesterol) | Can cause plaque in arteries. |
| HDL (“good” cholesterol) | Helps remove cholesterol from blood. |
| Triglycerides | Another type of fat in the blood. |
A cholesterol test reveals risks for heart attacks and strokes by showing if unhealthy levels of these fats are present.
Reasons for Cholesterol Testing
Cholesterol testing is important because high cholesterol often shows no symptoms. Regular checks reveal key cholesterol levels, including total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. Monitoring these numbers can help lower the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other health problems linked to clogged arteries.
Age Recommendations for Different Groups
- Children: Most children should have their cholesterol checked once between ages 9 and 11. Children with certain health problems or a family history of early heart disease may need earlier and more frequent tests.
- Teens and Young Adults: A second cholesterol check usually takes place between ages 17 and 21.
- Adults: Adults typically get their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. Doctors may recommend more frequent testing if other risk factors or concerning results exist.
People at Higher Risk
Some people need more frequent cholesterol checks because they have higher chances of heart problems. Risk factors include:
| Risk Factor | Example or Details |
|---|---|
| Family History | Heart disease, high cholesterol, or stroke |
| Health Conditions | Diabetes, coronary artery disease, obesity |
| Lifestyle Factors | Smoking, little physical activity, poor diet |
| Medical History | High blood pressure, prior high cholesterol |
| Race or Ethnicity | Some groups face higher risks of heart disease |
Note: People who take medicine to lower cholesterol need regular tests to see if their treatment works.
Why Regular Checks Matter
- No Warning Signs: High cholesterol almost never causes symptoms. Only testing can show if levels are too high.
- Prevention: Early detection allows time to make lifestyle changes or begin treatment.
This can lower the chance of heart attack, stroke, or developing other serious diseases.
Special Circumstances
- When someone starts taking cholesterol medicine, doctors use regular tests to track changes.
- If a person already has heart or blood vessel diseases, doctors recommend more frequent monitoring.
- Diabetes or high blood pressure can raise the risk of high cholesterol. People with these conditions should talk with their healthcare provider about how often to get tested.
Possible Problems
A cholesterol test is usually safe. Some people may feel minor soreness or tenderness where the needle goes in. Less often, bruising or a small risk of infection can occur at the spot.
Getting Ready
Before a cholesterol check, people usually need to avoid all food and drinks except water for 9 to 12 hours. Smoking should also be avoided during this time. Healthy habits like a balanced diet low in saturated fat and regular physical activity support heart health. Always follow the specific instructions your healthcare provider gives.
What Happens During a Cholesterol Blood Test
While the Blood Is Being Taken
A cholesterol check involves a healthcare provider drawing a bit of blood from a vein, most often in the arm. Usually, people have this done in the morning after an overnight fast.
The healthcare provider first cleans the skin with an antiseptic and puts an elastic band around the upper arm. This helps the veins stand out. When the needle goes in, most people feel just a quick sting.
Blood then flows into a vial or syringe. After collecting enough, the provider removes the band and places a bandage on the small puncture spot. The whole process usually takes only a few minutes. Common steps involved:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Skin cleaned | Use of antiseptic |
| Elastic band placed | To fill vein |
| Needle inserted | Short sting may happen |
| Blood collected | Into a tube or syringe |
| Band removed | Restores blood flow |
| Bandage applied | Covers needle site |
What to Know After the Test
After the blood draw, people can usually return to normal tasks, including driving. Most do not experience any side effects. If the test was done after fasting, having a small snack afterward helps. No special care or rest is needed. The bandage can be removed later that day.
Findings
A cholesterol test, sometimes called a lipid profile, measures several types of fats in the blood. These include total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. The results help doctors assess a person’s risk for heart disease and other health problems.
Total cholesterol combines all the cholesterol in the blood. In the United States, people should aim for a level under 200 mg/dL. Levels between 200–239 mg/dL are borderline high, and 240 mg/dL or above is high.
LDL cholesterol is often called “bad” cholesterol because high levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries. Healthy people should keep LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL. Those at high risk for heart disease should aim for below 70 mg/dL.
Levels between 100–129 mg/dL are near optimal for most people, but those with existing heart issues may need even lower levels. LDL of 130–159 mg/dL is borderline high. 160–189 mg/dL is high, and 190 mg/dL or higher is very high.
HDL cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol since higher levels can help protect the heart. For men, less than 40 mg/dL is poor, while less than 50 mg/dL is poor for women. Better levels range from 40–59 mg/dL for men and 50–59 mg/dL for women.
The best outcomes often happen when HDL levels are 60 mg/dL or higher for both men and women. Triglycerides are another type of fat measured in the lipid panel. A desirable triglyceride level is below 150 mg/dL. Levels from 150–199 mg/dL are borderline high, 200–499 mg/dL are high, and 500 mg/dL or above is very high.
| Type | Desirable Level | Borderline High | High | Very High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | < 200 mg/dL | 200–239 mg/dL | ≥ 240 mg/dL | |
| LDL Cholesterol | < 100 mg/dL | 130–159 mg/dL | 160–189 mg/dL | ≥ 190 mg/dL |
| HDL Cholesterol | ≥ 60 mg/dL | 40–59 mg/dL | < 40 mg/dL (men) < 50 mg/dL (women) | |
| Triglycerides | < 150 mg/dL | 150–199 mg/dL | 200–499 mg/dL | ≥ 500 mg/dL |
When reviewing a lipid panel, doctors look for a pattern in the results. For example, someone may have a healthy total cholesterol but a low HDL or high LDL, which still increases risk. Each result needs to be seen in context with the others.
High LDL cholesterol can narrow or harden the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack or stroke. Higher HDL cholesterol can help remove LDL from the bloodstream and may offer some protection. If blood fat levels are not within healthy ranges, several steps can help improve them:
- Eat less saturated fat and trans fat.
- Eat more vegetables, fruits, and legumes.
- Be physically active each day.
- Quit smoking to help raise HDL cholesterol.
- Take medicine if needed, especially if heart disease is already present.
Sometimes, lifestyle changes do not lower cholesterol enough, and people may need medication. Those with very high numbers or a history of heart problems will likely need medicine in addition to lifestyle changes.
