In 2008 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that about 27 percent of all U.S. deaths are from heart disease. One tool to help fight heart disease is being aware of your cholesterol levels. There are several methods of testing your cholesterol; pick one that suits you. Checking your cholesterol and knowing your numbers is a vital component of taking control of one's health.
The Steps
Step 1
Find a doctor who can perform a routine physical. If you are man 35 years old or older, or a woman 45 years old or above, lab work, such as a cholesterol test is usually ordered. If you are under 35, or the doctor does not send you to the lab, request a "lipid panel" which will check your cholesterol levels. If you have other heart disease risks, these labs may be ordered in your 20s.
Step 2
Attend a health fair that is screening cholesterol. Local hospitals, city health departments and charity organizations often fund these programs. Check on availability by calling your local health department or visiting their website.
Step 3
Donate blood. Not only will you be helping to save someone's life, most donation sites offer free cholesterol and glucose screening as a perk. Call the Red Cross to look for events and donation stations in your area.
Step 4
Check your cholesterol at home with a rapid analyzer. These tests require several drops of blood from your finger tip, and the results take about five minutes. Devices, like the Cardiocheck analyzer, can usually be found at pharmacies or online.
Things You'll Need
- Doctor
- Home cholesterol device
