Taking a cholesterol test for the first time? Here are five ways to prepare for it.
Like all medical procedures, a cholesterol test can be nerve-racking. However, it doesn’t have to be. Understanding what happens during a cholesterol test and knowing how to prepare for it will help make the process completely smooth-sailing.
What is a cholesterol test?
As the name implies, a cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel or lipid profile, measures the amount of cholesterol in one’s body1. By undergoing the procedure, you’ll determine the levels of good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol in your blood, as well as triglycerides, which is also a type of fat. In other words, this test helps determine the risk of fat buildup in your arteries, which can lead to heart problems and stroke.
If you’re a man, it’s ideal to get your cholesterol checked regularly starting at age 352 or even younger. Women, on the other hand, may start a cholesterol screening routine at age 453. Some patients even start the screening in their 20s, getting checked every 5 years.
Preparing for your cholesterol test
To ensure that your test results and diagnosis are accurate, here are five tips in preparing for your cholesterol test.
1. Be prepared to fast before the test.
Before taking the test, remember that you’re generally required to fast. No food and liquid other than water is allowed for 9 to 12 hours before the test4. This is why cholesterol tests are often done in the morning.
However, in some cases, your doctor may not require fasting, so be sure to follow his or her instructions thoroughly.
2. Keep track of any symptoms you’re experiencing.
While high cholesterol may not cause any symptoms in the beginning, it’s important to tell your doctor about any heart-related complaints5 you may have. If you often experience any of the following, you should let your doctor know:
dizziness or light-headedness
fatigue
nausea
difficulty breathing and shortness of breath
Insomnia
chest pains, tightness, or pressure
Furthermore, be honest about your lifestyle and habits. Your doctor may also want to know some details on your lifestyle, including diet, exercise routine, and everyday activities such as sitting for long periods and smoking. All of these may contribute to one’s risk of developing heart diseases and high cholesterol.
3. Note other conditions you may have.
Plenty other diseases6 can influence your heart’s health. High blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, and even mental disorders like anxiety and depression may all lead to poor cardiovascular health. Letting your doctor know about any pre-existing health problems, as well as your family’s history of various illnesses, is important.
4. List down all medications you’re taking.
If you’re diagnosed with high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe cholesterol-lowering drugs for you. However, if you’re taking other medicines or supplements for other conditions, these may interact with your new prescription. Hence, make a list of all the maintenance drugs and supplements you’re taking and show this to your doctor. That way, you can both plan your medications and avoid drug interactions that may lessen their effectiveness.
5. Remember: it’s okay to ask a lot of questions.
High cholesterol, stroke, and heart diseases are complex conditions, which may be difficult to understand at first. To avoid being overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor plenty of questions about what you’re experiencing, how to manage it, and how to regain a healthy lifestyle. You may also do your own research about these conditions. The more you know about what you’re going through, the more easily you can manage it.
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Waiting for the results of your cholesterol test may be the most difficult part, but do remember that high cholesterol is manageable. Plenty of medications to reduce bad cholesterol and lessen your risk of heart diseases are already available. In addition, a healthy diet and exercise can reverse the harmful effects of high cholesterol.