Cholesterol is an essential substance needed for your cells to function correctly, but in excess, cholesterol can put you at an increased risk for serious health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Because of the risk that high cholesterol levels pose, it is important to check your cholesterol periodically to ensure that your levels are within a healthy range.
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with your doctor to have a lipid profile test. A lipid profile test is a specialized blood test that measures the amount of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) "good" cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein) "bad" cholesterol per deciliter of your blood. Some lipid profiles also include your triglyceride levels, which represent the main form that fat takes in your body.
Step 2
Refrain from taking a cholesterol test if you are currently feeling sick. Taking a cholesterol test while you are sick with an acute illness (such as the common cold or flu), can result in an inaccurate cholesterol reading. According to Lab Tests Online, this is because cholesterol levels are lower while your body is fighting off an illness.
Step 3
Fast from food before taking the cholesterol test. Depending on the lab your blood samples are being sent to, you will be required to fast everything except water for between 6 and 12 hours. Keep this in mind when scheduling your doctor appointment so that you can plan accordingly.
Step 4
Compare your LDL cholesterol results to typical healthy levels. When checking for high cholesterol levels, the number that is most important is your LDL cholesterol level. When excess LDL cholesterol is present in the blood, it can calcify into arterial plaque. This blocks the arteries and increases your risk for cardiovascular diseases. A healthy LDL level, according to the American Heart Association, should be less than 100 mg/dL.
Step 5
Examine your HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and compare them to healthy levels. HDL cholesterol and triglycerides are also an important number to track when testing cholesterol. HDL is considered "good" cholesterol due to its abilities to transport excess LDL cholesterol back to the liver, where it can then be removed from the body. Healthy HDL levels should be above 60 mg/dL. High triglycerides are often associated with heart disease and diabetes, so healthy triglyceride levels should be below 150 mg/dL.
