Cholesterol is a naturally occurring fat-like substance found in the body. A cholesterol test, also known as a lipids panel, is a blood test that measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood. For some individuals, cholesterol levels may be higher than preferred. If that is the case, your health care provider may recommend a course of action to help reduce cholesterol levels.
Non‑fasting lipid testing is accurate for most people. Your NewYork-Presbyterian healthcare provider may recommend fasting in specific situations.
Quick prep checklist
Quick prep checklistHere’s what you need to know in preparation for a cholesterol test.
- Know your test. Most lipid panels today are non-fasting. If your clinician specifically ordered a fasting test (often for very high triglycerides), fast for 8–12 hours.
- What you can drink: Water is always okay. For non-fasting tests, plain coffee or tea may be fine; avoid creamers, milk, or sugar. For fasting tests, stick to water only.
- Daily medicines: Take your morning medications and daily medicines as prescribed unless your clinician told you otherwise. If a medication must be taken with food, ask your clinician or pharmacist how to time it with a fasting test.
- Avoid heavy alcohol the day before testing; it can temporarily raise triglycerides.
- Skip intense exercise the day of testing; it may affect certain values.
- Bring your lab order and insurance card. Arrive 10 minutes early to check in.
- If you’re sick (fever or acute illness), ask if you should delay testing, as results can be temporarily altered.
- Hydrate. Drinking water makes blood draws easier.
Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?
Do I Need to Fast?Fasting vs. Non-Fasting: When It Matters
There are two types of lipid panels: fasting tests, also known as clear fasting, and non-fasting.
Non‑fasting testing is now standard for most patients. This typically gives healthcare providers the most accurate reading. However, fasting may still be recommended in specific cases. For example, a NewYork-Presbyterian healthcare provider may request a fasting lipid panel if you have very high triglycerides, or have a history of pancreatitis.
Understanding your cholesterol test results (LDL, HDL, TG, non-HDL, ApoB) at a glance
Understanding Your ResultsCholesterol is a naturally occurring fat-like substance in the body necessary for many important life functions. Cholesterol is packaged in different particles called lipoproteins. Each type of lipoprotein has different functions in the body--some helpful and some that can be harmful. Different types of cholesterol have different characteristics—some good and some bad. When the body has too much of certain lipoproteins, it may deposit in the arteries. This can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack and stroke. Which numbers matter is patient-specific and is up for the healthcare provider to determine. However, there are general characteristics for each type of lipoprotein that can be helpful to understand going into the test.
- LDL Cholesterol. This is the classic “bad cholesterol” that can tend to build up in the arteries. For LDL, lower for longer duration is important for cardiovascular risk reduction.
- HDL Cholesterol. This is the classic “good cholesterol” that is looked upon more favorably by healthcare professionals. Higher is typically better for HDL. However, HDL has a U-shaped relationship where at very high levels, it may actually not be beneficial. Low levels of HDL is a risk factor for heart disease.
- Triglycerides (TG). This is a type of fat and one of the ways the body stores energy. However, too high of levels may increase risk of heart disease or stroke. Very high levels increase risk of pancreatitis.
- Non-HDL Cholesterol. This grouping of cholesterol includes all types of cholesterol, minus HDL. It gives healthcare professionals an idea of patients’ risks for cardiovascular disease.
- Apolipoprotein B (ApoB). A naturally occurring protein essential for transporting cholesterol throughout the body. Most helpful for patients with metabolic syndrome, high triglycerides, or diabetes as an added test to better evaluate risk from cholesterol.
- Lipoprotein. An emerging risk factor which physicians are increasingly beginning to screen for. The first trial data for therapy are pending.
When to re-test
When to re-testTalk with your healthcare provider to get tailored answers on when it’s time to recheck cholesterol levels.
Most healthcare providers suggest that people should test every five years, in early adulthood. As we get older, if there is a family history of high cholesterol, or if your numbers are elevated, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing. Re-testing is also recommended whenever there is a change in medical therapy or dosage of medication.
If you’re on treatment for your cholesterol already, whether that be medicine, lifestyle changes, or a combination of both, your doctor may request more frequent testing.
Cholesterol treatment may need to be paused momentarily during pregnancy. This could require more frequent testing to ensure that there are no adverse side effects from the pause in treatment.
Get care at NewYork-Presbyterian
Get care at NewYork-PresbyterianLipid tests are generally a part of a yearly check-up with your primary care physician or nurse practioner. At NewYork-Presbyterian, our primary care health team can help you address your general health with regular blood tests.
Often, cholesterol treatment involves a multidisciplinary approach. At NewYork-Presbyterian, cholesterol treatment may involve the input of from licenced dieticians or board-certified cardiologists. If results show atypical cholesterol levels, our team of health care professionals can work with you to create an individualized healthcare plan.
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This content has been reviewed by the following medical editors.