What is the test ?
The cholesterol screening tests for all types of fats present in the body. This would include:
● "bad" cholesterol - low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ;
● "good" cholesterol - high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and
● triglyceride (TG).
Only the last test (for TG levels), requires you to fast for 10 to 12 hours.
Why do the test ?
A high blood cholesterol level means that you have more cholesterol in your blood than your body needs. The higher your blood cholesterol level is, the greater your risk of developing heart disease.
Who should do the test ?
You should be screened if you:
● are 40 years old or older
● previously had a heart attack, or stroke
● are suffering from diabetes
● have several family members with high cholesterol.
You can consider screening from age 30 years if you:
● have other risk factors for heart disease, for example, you smoke, have high blood
pressure or have family members who developed heart disease before 65 years of age
How is the test done ?
It is a blood test. You need to fast for 10 to 12 hours before the the test.
If your results are in the desirable range, blood cholesterol screening every 3 years is recommended.
