Cholesterol

You should get a cholesterol test as part of a routine health check-up, usually every 4–6 years for healthy adults, and more often if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, smoking habits, thyroid disorders, or a family history of heart disease. It is also used to monitor cholesterol-lowering medicines like statins.

Fasting is not strictly required for a total cholesterol test, as meals have little effect on total cholesterol. However, if it is done as part of a lipid profile, fast for 10–12 hours, drinking only water. Avoid alcohol and fatty foods for 24 hours beforehand, and inform your doctor about any cholesterol-lowering medicines.

Fasting is usually not required for a total cholesterol test alone, because food has little effect on total cholesterol levels. However, if your doctor has ordered a full lipid profile that includes triglycerides and LDL, you should fast for 10–12 hours, drinking only water. Follow your doctor's or lab's instructions.