Why and When to Check Your Cholesterol Levels
Understanding your cholesterol levels is crucial for maintaining a healthy heart and preventing serious cardiovascular conditions such as a heart attack and stroke. Since high cholesterol often has no symptoms, regular testing is the only way to detect a problem and take early action through lifestyle changes or medication.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is essential for building healthy cells, hormones and vitamin D. Your liver produces most of the cholesterol your body needs, and it travels through your blood in packages called lipoproteins. Problems arise when there is an imbalance between the "bad" kind, which can clog arteries, and the "good" kind, which helps clear excess fat away.
A cholesterol test, often called a lipid panel or lipid profile, provides a detailed look at the fats circulating in your bloodstream. These numbers are key indicators of your heart health:
- LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol): Can build up and clog arteries, increasing your risk of heart attack and stroke. Lower is generally better.
- HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol): Helps clear cholesterol from your blood vessels. Higher levels are beneficial.
- Total cholesterol: The sum of your HDL, LDL and 20 percent of your triglyceride levels.
- Triglycerides: Another type of fat in your blood that, when high, can also raise your risk of heart disease.
When should you get tested?
People should consider getting their cholesterol checked between the ages of 20 and 25, or earlier if they have risk factors like diabetes or a family history of heart problems.
If your results are normal and your risk is low, a cholesterol test every 4 to 6 years is usually sufficient. If you smoke or have conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a family history of heart issues, your doctor may suggest testing every 1 to 2 years.
How do I get my cholesterol tested?
Getting a cholesterol test is simple and convenient:
Preparing for the test
Fasting for 12 hours before doing a lipid panel is required. Results will show total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. Sometimes, your provider may order additional tests, such as non-HDL cholesterol or apolipoprotein B, for further insight.
Understanding your results
After testing, it is essential to follow up with your primary care provider. They will interpret your results, recommend necessary lifestyle changes or medication, and, if needed, refer you to a cardiologist for specialized care.
Cardiology
Firelands Physician Group cardiologists provide patient-focused care for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the heart.
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