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Cholesterol: should you be tested?

Information for persons at normal risk

Aurora's preventive recommendations for healthy, normal-risk persons:
Testing for blood cholesterol levels is recommended for healthy adults – women beginning at age 45 and men beginning at age 35.

Why worry about cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance in the blood. Your body makes and needs a certain amount of it, and you consume it in certain foods. But too much of it can build up in the body's arteries and block the flow of blood. The higher your cholesterol level, the greater your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other problems that result from poor blood flow.

How should you prepare for a cholesterol test?

Ask your health care provider if you need to fast on the morning of your test. No other preparation is needed.

How is it done?

Cholesterol is measured through a blood test. The blood can be taken by a finger-stick or from a vein in your arm. In a simple screening test, the total blood cholesterol should be below 200. You should also have your HDL, the “good cholesterol,” measured. Your HDL should be above 45.

Your health care provider may ask you to have your LDL level measured. LDL, the “bad cholesterol,” carries cholesterol to the arteries. Your LDL level should be below 130, with your specific goal depending on the number of risk factors you have. (People with heart disease should strive for an LDL level of 100 or less).

Do your children need to be tested?

Testing is not often needed for healthy children. Ask your health care provider, especially if you or other family members have a high cholesterol level.

What can you do to help lower or maintain a healthy cholesterol level?

Eat healthy. Follow a low-fat diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Eat fewer fats, meats, and high-fat dairy products. Read the labels when you shop, so you know what you're eating.

Exercise. A program of regular exercise can help control weight and cholesterol. You don't have to be a trained athlete. Even a daily 30-minute walk can do wonders.

Control your weight. Excess weight can lead to high cholesterol. Eating a low-fat diet and walking daily will put you on the right track.

Stop smoking. Cigarette smoking has been shown to damage blood vessel walls and decrease HDL levels.

Follow the advice of your health care provider about testing. Be sure to ask for more information when you need it.

DISCLAIMER: The information presented in this site is intended for general information and educational purposes. It is not intended to replace the advice of your own physician. Contact your physician if you believe you have a health problem.