Is a cholesteral test very accurate if you haven't fasted?

Question

Had my cholesteral tested today and it was 223. I can't believe it, I'm only 31 and rarely eat any fried foods. Is it better to have a test fasting?

Answer 1

From my experience, I think the HDL is accurate even if you haven't fasted, but not the LDL.

Answer 2

Good question. Usually a cholesterol test done in a lab setting does involve a fast of some sort. I'm not sure of the circumstances under which you took your test; you might have taken a home cholesterol test which would probably give you a reasonably accurate level. You probably will want to follow up on it in any case. A borderline-high cholesterol level in and of itself may not be of concern if you have good levels of HDL and no other risk factors.

Keep in mind also that if your parents have (or have had) high cholesterol levels you are more likely to have them too. My total cholesterol level has been in the low 200s also and I'm in my early 30s also.

In any case, I'd follow up on it. Good luck.

Answer 3

Any time you are having your cholesterol checked, you should eat you supper before about 7pm the night before. And don't eat any fatty foods such as fried foods, gravy, butter, whole milk, etc. Otherwise you will not get an accurate reading. Then fast in the morning until after the test.