Nature intended cholesterol to help your body, not harm it. Unfortunately, poor eating habits, lack of exercise and in some cases, genetics, sends your cholesterol levels soaring beyond healthy levels, increasing your risk of heart disease. High cholesterol has no symptoms -- the only way to determine whether you are at risk is through a blood test known as a lipid profile, which your doctor must order. It is the only accurate way of detecting high cholesterol in your blood.
Step 1
Take the time to learn and recognize your risk factors. If you have certain risk factors, such as being overweight, smoking, leading a sedentary lifestyle, a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, you may be at risk for high cholesterol. If so, consider having a cholesterol test.
Step 2
Take your age into account. The American Heart Association recommends all adults age 20 and over begin having their cholesterol tested. If no risk factors exist, and as long as the test results show normal cholesterol levels, you can undergo the test once every five years. Your doctor determines the frequency of the test if you require treatment for high cholesterol.
Step 3
Make an appointment with your doctor for a physical exam. Tell him your complete medical history, including any risk factors you feel pertain to you; this may prompt him to order your lipid profile regardless of your age.
Step 4
Ask your doctor if there are any pretesting restrictions. Most people must fast 12 hours before having their blood drawn, which means nothing to eat or drink after midnight the day before the test. Eating can interfere with your results. Certain medications and birth control pills can do the same. Give your doctor a complete list of pills you currently take, including over-the-counter supplements.
Step 5
Ask where the test is being performed. Some doctors have a laboratory in their office, while others require you to use the lab at the hospital they are affiliated with.
Step 6
Make your appointment as early in the morning as possible. The earlier you go for your test, the easier it is on your stomach. The test takes less than five minutes; the sooner you go, the sooner you can eat.
