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What To Expect With Cholesterol Testing

Cholesterol is a necessary substance to keep your body working. This may come as a surprise, as all the literature out there seems to indicate that cholesterol is bad. There are two types of cholesterol, HDL cholesterol or good cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol, which is better known as bad cholesterol.

Cholesterol testing can help determine whether you have enough good cholesterol, too much bad cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream, and the presence of triglyceride levels that can cause blockages in the arteries. Cholesterol testing is a simple blood test and will help you get a better picture of your state of health, and what you can do to be healthier.

Who Should Have A Cholesterol Test?

Cholesterol testing should be carried out every five years. You don't have to be middle aged to take a cholesterol test. In fact it's advisable to take one as soon as you reach the age of twenty. Waiting until your forties may be too late. The sooner you have a clear idea about your risks for heart disease the better.

Preparation For The Test

To prepare for cholesterol testing you should fast for fourteen hours before the test. This means no food or drink, with the exception of water, before you take the test. You should not drink alcohol for forty-eight hours before the test as well. Although the test can be carried out without a fast you can only use the results for total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels. It's advisable that you do abstain from food so that you get a more accurate picture.

The Procedure

Cholesterol testing requires a blood sample and blood will be drawn the same way any other blood test is carried out. The actual procedure only takes a few minutes and doesn't hurt much. You may feel minor discomfort when the needle used to draw blood is inserted into your vein.

After the blood test you can start eating again as you would normally do. If you were asked to stop taking any medications then your doctor will advice you when you can resume taking said medication. After the test your doctor will send the blood sample for analysis and determine the likelihood that you might develop heart disease.

Other factors such as family history, age, lifestyle and prior heart attacks will be taken into account when determining your risk of developing heart disease. If you do have less than desirable cholesterol levels then your doctor can advise you on the next step.

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