Your blood contains a type of fat called cholesterol.If your cholesterol levels are too high, it increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.If your doctor recommends it, you should have your cholesterol tested every 5 years or more.You can use an at- home test to get a good idea of your numbers, but you should see your doctor for the most accurate results.
Step 1: Don't choose a kit that measures total cholesterol.
You should choose a testing kit that will give you a complete picture of your cholesterol if you want to measure it at home.Some kits only measure your total cholesterol, so be sure to choose one that also measures your HDL and triglyceride levels, as well.There are two types of fat found in your blood.The test doesn't have to measure the 'bad' cholesterol levels because they are determined by your HDL and triglyceride levels.
Step 2: Don't drink or eat before the test.
You need to fast for at least nine hours before a cholesterol test to ensure an accurate reading.Unless you have a kit that says you don't need to fast, avoid eating or drinking anything, and not take any medication, then you should abstain from taking anything.It's best to take the test in the morning.
Step 3: You can use an alcohol pad to wipe your finger.
If you're going to draw blood on the site, you need to wash it with an alcohol pad.Allow the area to dry before you move on.You can apply rubbing alcohol to your skin if you don't have an alcohol pad.
Step 4: You can pierce your finger with a lancet.
When you are ready to take the test, read the instructions carefully.If you received a lancet in your kit, follow the manufacturer's directions to put it on your finger.Try to puncture your skin with a single smooth movement.The brand of kit you choose will affect the instructions for using the lancet.
Step 5: The first drop of blood should be wiped away.
When you puncture your skin, tissue fluid and skin cells can get into your blood, which can affect the test results.If you see the first blood drop, use a small square of tissue or paper towel to wipe it away.If you don't get enough blood from the first puncture, you'll need a new lancet.If you need to repeat the test, do not puncture the skin twice with the same lancet.
Step 6: You should collect your blood according to the directions on the kit.
Sometimes a small device can be used to puncture your finger and capture the blood for you.To collect it on other kits, you'll need to press your finger to a small piece of paper.If you squeeze your finger, there will be a new drop of blood.It can send blood into your sample.
Step 7: Pressure should be applied to stop the bleeding.
Put pressure on the puncture site with your finger or a cotton ball until the bleeding stops.You can put a bandage on the area.Since you cleaned the puncture site ahead of time, the risk of infections is low and you can apply a small amount of antibiotics to the area.
Step 8: You can find your results by reading the testing kit key.
You have finished gathering your blood.Look at the instructions that came with the kit.The instructions should tell you how to read the test with a cholesterol level chart.There could be a digital readout on advanced tests.A test that only measures total cholesterol might have a paper strip that changes colors and a color key.It is important to have your results evaluated by a doctor because they can take into account many other factors, such as your overall health, health history, family history and age.
Step 9: If your total cholesterol is over 200, you should see your doctor.
Your total cholesterol level includes your cholesterol levels.It's important that these components are balanced correctly, which is why a test that only measures total cholesterol isn't accurate.A healthy total cholesterol level is 200mg/dL or less, so if your reading is higher, consult your doctor.
Step 10: Do you have a good cholesterol level?
Good cholesterol is called that because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your blood.It can help keep arteries free from plaque.Your cholesterol level should be in the 40's.Your LDL cholesterol is likely to be too high if it's lower than that.
Step 11: You can find your cholesterol level by looking at it.
Low density lipoprotein is what builds up in your arteries.High LDL levels are considered a risk factor for a heart attack or stroke because they can restrict your blood flow over time.If you have a known cardiovascular disease, such as having a stroke or heart attack, your LDL cholesterol levels should be less than 100 or 70.If you don't have a known cardiovascular disease, you should aim for a 50% reduction in your LDL.
Step 12: Find the fat in your blood by reading your triglyceride levels.
Excess calories can cause your body to produce Triglycerides.It's a combination of your cholesterol levels and the amount of fat in your blood that determines your LDL levels.Your triglyceride levels should be less than 150.
Step 13: Evaluate your cholesterol with other risk factors.
Your risk of having a heart attack or stroke increases if you have high cholesterol.If you have other risk factors like being a smoker, having a family history of heart disease, or having high blood pressure, the chances of a cardiac event go up even more.Discuss these and other risk factors with your doctor.Ask your doctor about ways to improve your health, such as getting more exercise or changing your diet.The American Heart Association has a tool you can use to calculate your risk of having a heart attack.
Step 14: If you're an adult, you should have your cholesterol tested every 5 years.
Every 5 years, all adults should have their cholesterol tested.If you smoke or have a family history of diabetes, your doctor may recommend that you have the test done more often.If you're under the age of 21, some doctors recommend you get a cholesterol screening between the ages of 9-11 and 17-21.If you have a family history of high cholesterol or other risk factors, this may not be necessary.If you have to take steps to lower your cholesterol, you should follow your doctor's advice on how often to get tested.Small changes to your diet and lifestyle can help improve your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.
Step 15: If your doctor tells you to, you should be able to get in for about nine hours before the appointment.
Most of the time, your doctor will ask you not to eat or drink for 12 hours before your cholesterol screening.They might ask you not to take any medications as they might interfere with the test results.If your doctor schedules the screening early in the morning, you won't have to eat or drink overnight.Before you take a test, be sure to ask your doctor if it requires you to fast.
Step 16: Prepare to have your blood drawn.
When it's time for your cholesterol screening, a medical professional will likely put a tourniquet on your arm.They'll place a small needle into a vein in your arm or wrist to collect your blood.You can help it go faster if you stay relaxed and keep your body still.The needle shouldn't be too painful when it's inserted.Take slow, deep breaths if you feel nervous and look away when the needle is in your arm.
Step 17: Follow your doctor's orders.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you make lifestyle changes to get your cholesterol levels where they need to be if your total cholesterol level is over 200.It can be difficult to change how you eat and what you do in your free time, but remember that your health is one of the most important assets you have.In moderation, your doctor might recommend that you eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, heart-healthy whole grains, and oils such as olive oil and canola oil.Reducing your intake of foods that are high in saturated fat as well as anything that is processed, such as frozen convenience foods and fast food, may be recommended by them.You should get at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day.You can start by taking a walk around the block, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or parking further away from your destination so you can walk a little more.