Cholesterol Testing

A cholesterol test can benefit anyone of any age. Your cholesterol should be checked starting early in life, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It says children and teens should have their cholesterol checked at least one time between the ages of nine and 11, and again between the ages of 17 and 21. Healthy adults should have a cholesterol test every four to six years.

You may need to have your cholesterol checked more frequently if you meet risk factors for high cholesterol. Risk factors of high cholesterol, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), include:

• Age
• Smoking
• Alcohol use
• Lack of exercise
• Poor nutrition—eating high amounts of saturated fats and low amounts of fruits and vegetables may lead to high cholesterol
• Certain medications, including those used to lower blood pressure
• Family history of high cholesterol
• Familial hypercholesterolemia—this is a genetic condition passed down through families that causes very high “bad” cholesterol levels
• Certain health problems—diabetes, heart disease, and obesity are some of many conditions that may lead to high cholesterol

The National Library of Medicine (NLM) reports that men should have their first cholesterol test by the age of 35 and that women should have their first cholesterol test by the age of 45. It adds that follow-up testing should be done every five years if your test results are normal, and every year if you are taking medication to control your cholesterol level.

Ask your doctor about the frequency at which you should have your cholesterol checked. Your doctor can review your medical history, determine whether you meet risk factors for high cholesterol, and recommend when you should be tested.

Talk to your doctor if you think you need a cholesterol test. Your doctor may perform this test during your next appointment or give you a referral to a walk-in clinic or lab that offers this test.

Another way to find out how to get a cholesterol test is to use Solv. Solv features a directory that allows you to identify providers near you that offer this test. Then, you can contact that provider directly to request an appointment or book an appointment from Solv.

The NLM notes that a cholesterol test is used to tell you how much cholesterol you have in your blood. It can reveal whether you are at risk for chronic conditions like heart disease, and whether you could benefit from making certain lifestyle changes that can lower your cholesterol.

A cholesterol test measures the following, according to the NLM:

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol). Also known as “bad” cholesterol, LDL is the main source of clogs, or blockages, in the arteries.
• High-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol). Also known as “good” cholesterol, HDL helps destroy bad cholesterol.
• Total cholesterol. This is the combined amount of LDL and HDL in your blood.
• Triglycerides. These are a type of fat in your blood. High levels of triglycerides may increase your risk for heart disease.
• Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL cholesterol). This is another type of “bad” cholesterol that is linked to plaque buildup in the arteries. Triglycerides make up about 50% of your VLDL.

The NLM reports that your doctor may order a cholesterol test as part of a routine physical or exam. It says you may also need a cholesterol test if heart disease runs in your family or if you are at risk for having heart problems. Risk factors for heart problems include:

• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Type 2 diabetes
• Obesity, or being overweight
• Lack of physical activity
• Poor nutrition (a diet high in saturated fat)
• Age

Your doctor can talk to you in greater detail about why you may need a cholesterol test based on your health status and medical history.

Generally, you want to have low levels of LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and high levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Cholesterol is usually measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. Your doctor or the cholesterol testing provider can help you interpret and understand your results if you’re not sure what they mean.

Here’s how cholesterol levels are categorized, according to the NLM:

• Total cholesterol. 240 mg/dL and above is high, 200 to 239 mg/dL is borderline high, and less than 200 mg/dL is desirable.
• LDL cholesterol. 190 mg/dL and above is very high, 160 to 189 mg/dL is high, 130 to 159 mg/dL is borderline high, 100 to 129 mg/dL is near optimal, and less than 100 mg/dL is optimal.
• HDL cholesterol. Less than 40 mg/dL is a major risk factor for heart disease, 40 to 59 is considered better, and 60 mg/dL and higher is considered protective against heart disease.

Sometimes, the results of your LDL cholesterol may say “calculated,” which means that this result is an estimate based on your HDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. The NLM says your LDL level may also be measured “directly” from your blood sample.