You have probably taken many tests in your life. The weekly math quiz, SATs, final exams before graduation and entrance exams for college. Although important at each stage in your life, none of these are more important than the test to measure your cholesterol. This test, known as a lipid profile, determines your risk of developing heart disease. It's the easiest test you will ever take--no studying required, just a desire to keep your heart healthy.
Significance
In 2011, approximately one in every six adult Americans has high cholesterol, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This places them at risk for the leading cause of death in the United States--heart disease. High cholesterol has no symptoms, so many people do not realize they are at risk; the only mode of detection is cholesterol screening. Multiple screening options exist, some more reliable than others.
Home Testing Kits
Home testing kits, although convenient, may not offer reliability. A number of variables factor in, such as understanding how to properly use the kit, and having the ability to analyze the results. You must take into consideration your age, gender, medical history and any risk factors you have for heart disease. Some kits offer only total cholesterol results--you need results for all blood fats. These include your low-density lipoprotein, or LDL; high-density lipoprotein, or HDL; and triglycerides. Kits providing testing for all types require a separate blood sample for each. Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D., cardiologist for the Mayo Clinic explains the accuracy of these kits varies greatly and should not substitute screenings performed by medical professionals.
Public Screenings
Public screenings are a way to increase awareness about the danger of high cholesterol. They can be held in a variety of places, but must meet the criteria set forth by the American Heart Association to ensure proper recruiting of those undergoing the screening, the reliability of the tests, the knowledge of staff performing the tests, proper referral for follow-up treatment and explanation of the results. The American Heart Association explains vendors such as industrial work sites and businesses have an opportunity to reach men and women who are at risk for heart disease. Other vendors include hospitals, medical schools and and health clubs. Churches, community centers and schools offer these screenings for groups who fall into the low-income, low-educated categories, reducing their risk and educating them as well.
Your Physician
Physicians often order a measurement of cholesterol during routine physicals as part of preventative health care, according to Lab Tests Online. Although cholesterol testing should begin at the age of 20, and continue every five years thereafter, your doctor may require more frequent testing if you have one or more risk factors for heart disease. These include a family history of heart disease, obesity, inactivity, tobacco or alcohol use, high blood pressure or diabetes. If your physician has a laboratory in his office, the test is performed there. Otherwise the hospital he is affiliated with performs the screening.
Preparation
The food you eat and drink can cause inaccurate results, as can some medications you take. This is why home testing kits and public screenings may not be as reliable as the test your doctor orders. Your physician can help you prepare for your cholesterol test, ensuring the most accurate cholesterol measurement. Give him a list of all medications you take; if you need to discontinue any, he can tell you what and for how long. Fasting is another requirement. MayoClinic.com explains you cannot eat or drink anything, except water, for nine to 12 hours before your test. This is just an average guideline; always follow your doctor's orders first.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Are Home Cholesterol Test Kits Accurate?; Thomas Behrenbeck, M.D., Ph.D.; October 2010
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; High Cholesterol: Understand Your Risks; February 2011
- American Heart Association; Public Cholesterol Screening (Adults and Children); January 2011
- Lab Tests Online; Cholesterol; September 2008
- MayoClinic.com; Cholesterol test; January 2011
