Cholesterol Blood Test

This test is primarily conducted to evaluate cardiovascular health and can be carried out by anyone who wants to optimise their heart health.

You should strongly consider this test if:

• Your family has a history of cardiovascular-related illness 

• Your family has a strong history of heart infection

• Your lifestyle is not optimal for cardiovascular health

• You are a smoker

• You are a heavy drinker

• You are over 50 years old and lead a sedentary lifestyle

• You suffer from diabetes, kidney infection, polycystic ovary syndrome or an underactive thyroid gland

A cholesterol blood test is a lab assay that measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood. This type of test is used to screen for and diagnose hyperlipidemia, which is a condition characterised by high levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fatty molecules) in the blood. A cholesterol blood test may also be ordered to help determine your risk of developing heart disease.

The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that all adults aged 20 and older have their cholesterol levels checked at least every five years. If you have certain risk factors for heart disease – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease – your doctor may recommend more frequent cholesterol testing.

During a cholesterol blood test, a small sample of your blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab for analysis. The results of your test will be reported as total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides (another type of fat found in the blood).

Your doctor will use the results of your cholesterol blood test, along with other factors such as your age, gender, family history, and lifestyle choices, to determine whether you are at risk for heart disease. If your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medication to help lower them.

If you're looking for a home cholesterol test, there are a few different options available to you. One popular option is a cholesterol test kit that can be purchased from your local pharmacy or grocery store. These kits typically involve pricking your finger to get a blood sample, which you then send to a lab for analysis.

Another option is to use a home cholesterol testing device, which requires you to prick your fingertip and place the blood on a testing strip. The device will then provide you with your cholesterol levels. Home cholesterol testing devices are becoming increasingly popular, as they are easy to use and provide accurate results.

Whichever option you choose, it's important to make sure that you follow the instructions carefully so that you get accurate results. And if you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist.