CHOLESTEROL
A cholesterol test measures the amount of cholesterol and other fats in your blood. It's a simple blood draw that can help determine your risk of heart disease and other blood vessel diseases.
A cholesterol test can measure:
Total cholesterol: The sum of all cholesterol in your blood
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Also known as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL can lead to plaque buildup in your arteries
High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: Also known as "good" cholesterol, HDL helps carry away LDL cholesterol
Triglycerides: Another type of fat in your blood, high levels of triglycerides can be associated with being overweight, smoking, or having diabetes
You can get your cholesterol tested by having a blood sample taken from your arm with a needle. You might be asked to fast for up to 12 hours before the test, but most people don't need to. You should receive your results in a few days.
It's recommended to get your cholesterol checked regularly, ideally every year. If you have a family history of high blood pressure, you should get tested as early as age 45.
