When you get a cholesterol test, your healthcare provider measures the different types of cholesterol and fats in your blood to figure out your level of cardiovascular risk. Being aware of when and how often you need a cholesterol test is essential to maintaining a healthy heart throughout your life.
But cholesterol test guidelines vary significantly based on your family history, sex, age, and existing risk factors for heart disease. These screening recommendations help you and your healthcare provider detect potential problems early and develop treatment plans to protect your long-term health.
What Happens During a Cholesterol Test
A cholesterol test, also called a lipid panel, provides several important metrics: cholesterol (the total amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream); low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol), which promotes the build up of harmful plaque in your arteries; high-density lipoprotein (HDL, or “good” cholesterol), which helps remove excess cholesterol from your body and provides protection against heart disease; and triglycerides, which are another type of fat that raises your cardiovascular risk when elevated.
Your healthcare provider uses these measurements to assess your risk for developing coronary artery disease, peripheral artery disease, and stroke. The cholesterol test typically requires fasting from all foods and drinks except water for 12 hours beforehand. Your provider will take blood from a vein in your arm and will then send it to be analyzed at a laboratory.
Children and Teens Need Testing Too
Children should receive their first cholesterol test between the ages of 9 and 11, followed by repeat testing every five years. But you may need to get cholesterol tests done for your child earlier or more often if they have specific risk factors. Some of the factors include being overweight or obese, early heart disease or high cholesterol running in the family, having diabetes, or maintaining an inactive lifestyle.
For children and adolescents aged 19 and younger, healthy cholesterol levels include total cholesterol below 170 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol below 110 mg/dL, and HDL cholesterol above 45 mg/dL. High cholesterol in this age group means a total cholesterol level equal to or higher than 200 mg/dL and LDL cholesterol of 130 mg/dL or greater.
Men Need More Frequent Testing
Adult cholesterol test schedules differ between males and females due to varying cardiovascular risk patterns. Men generally carry higher cardiovascular risks at younger ages, requiring more frequent monitoring.
If you’re a male aged 20-44, you should take a cholesterol test at least every five years. Men aged 45-65 need testing annually or at least once every two years, while anyone 65 and older should have annual cholesterol tests. These more frequent screenings reflect the increased cardiovascular risk that aging and hormonal changes bring.
Women’s Testing Needs Change with Menopause
If you’re a female aged 20-54, you typically need a cholesterol test every five years. Women aged 55-65 should be tested every year or every two years, and those 65 and older require annual screening. The change in testing frequency around age 55 corresponds with menopause, when your cardiovascular risk begins increasing significantly.
Certain Conditions Require More Testing
Certain health conditions and risk factors require more frequent cholesterol tests regardless of your age. When you have existing heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or a strong family history of cardiovascular problems, you often need annual or even more frequent monitoring. Your healthcare provider will determine the right cholesterol test schedule that fits your specific risk profile.
Poor dietary habits, obesity, smoking, and physical inactivity also increase your cardiovascular risk and may warrant more frequent testing. Additionally, when you take cholesterol-lowering medications, you typically need regular monitoring to assess treatment effectiveness.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Test Results
Healthy cholesterol levels for adults include total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL, LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dL, and HDL cholesterol of 40 mg/dL or higher for men and 50 mg/dL or higher for women. Ideally, your HDL cholesterol should exceed 60 mg/dL for optimal heart protection. Triglyceride levels should remain below 150 mg/dL.
However, your target levels may be more stringent when you have existing cardiovascular disease or multiple risk factors. Your provider might recommend keeping your LDL cholesterol below 70 mg/dL if you have coronary artery disease or equivalent risk conditions.
Preparing for Your Cholesterol Test
Proper preparation is necessary for the most precise cholesterol test results. Most lipid panels require fasting for 9-12 hours before blood collection, meaning you should not have anything to eat or drink other than water during this period. Some newer testing methods don’t require fasting, but your provider will specify the preparation requirements for your particular cholesterol test.
Certain medications, recent illness, and stress can temporarily affect your cholesterol levels. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you’re taking, recent health changes, or significant stress in your life.
Taking Action When Results Are High
When your cholesterol test shows levels outside healthy ranges, your healthcare provider will discuss appropriate interventions. Treatment approaches may include lifestyle adjustments, such as adopting a healthier diet, increasing physical activity, managing weight, and quitting smoking. These modifications can greatly improve your cholesterol levels and lower your cardiovascular risk.
When lifestyle modifications aren’t sufficient, medications such as statins, bile acid sequestrants, or other cholesterol-lowering drugs may be necessary. Your provider will consider factors such as your general health, other medications, and preferences when recommending treatment options.
Turn to Imperial Center Family Medicine for Cholesterol Management
Imperial Center Family Medicine’s team of healthcare providers is intimately familiar with effective cholesterol management, and we know how important a personalized approach is, customized to your individual risk factors and health history.
Our experienced providers offer complete cholesterol testing and work closely with you to make sure all aspects of your health affected by cholesterol imbalances receive proper attention and treatment. Contact us today at 919-873-4437 or online, and our team will work with you to develop a plan to help manage your cholesterol test results and reduce your cardiovascular risks.