what difference does it make when you have a cholestrol test?

Question

if you eat a meal or not eat a meal before the test is taken

Answer 1

Eating before taking a cholesterol test can cause erroneous results in your cholesterol levels. This is mostly in the form of triglycerides which can rise to more than 50% of normal in some instances, and 10-15% in LDL and HDL cholesterol. The exact numbers really depend on the content of the meal, so things like steak would cause a higher temporary increase than a salad for example. While cholesterol tests are mainly focused on your HDL and LDL levels, which don't rise all that much after meals, often the test run is greatly affected by triglyceride levels. Many times (not all), LDL (the bad kind of cholesterol) is calculated, not measured, from your blood by measuring your trigs and other cholesterols. If one is higher than normal, then that throws the calculation off.

Answer 2

You should have a cholesterol test fasting. At least 8 hours but prefereably 12 hours before the test. You should also not engage in any heavy drinking or heavy drugs prior to the test.

Answer 3

Exercise before a cholesterol test can increase it. The meal the day before if high in cholesterol will show high. Fasting shows the base level without whatever you ate for breakfast.

Answer 4

If you eat just a little before a cholesterol test, much of the cholesterol measured will be that from the meal rather than your blood's own cholesterol level.

Answer 5

SImply stated: The people who were used to make up the "normal range" had not eaten. In order to compare yourself to that range you likewise have to be fasting. Some test's it matters..some it does not. As everyone says above. this is one that matters.

Answer 6

Because it fouls up the result as it enters the blood system. It has to be a fasting test to be accurate.