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Getting Your Cholesterol Screened


Know Your Number; Change Your Number.*

Knowing your cholesterol number is important even if it doesn't feel urgent right now. First, it helps you to be aware of what risk category you fall in. Second, you won't know if you've lowered your cholesterol number unless you know your starting point. So, make the commitment to have your cholesterol screened.

Doctors suggest that every adult older than age 20 gets his or her cholesterol screened once every five years. Here is the basic outline of the cholesterol screening process:

  1. Make an appointment with your doctor. Or, in some areas, public screening centers, pharmacies, and local clinics offer screenings. Use the WomenHeart Cholesterol Screening Locator to find the cholesterol screening center closest to you.
  2. You most likely will need to fast from food and beverages (except for black coffee and water) for nine to 12 hours (most blood tests are performed in the morning for this reason).
  3. At the screening, a small sample of blood will be drawn from your arm. This is a quick and easy process, allowing you to return to your day immediately.
  4. Your blood sample is sent to a lab and analyzed. You should receive your results in a few days to a week.
  5. Mark your Cholesterol Screening Goal in the program as complete. Post a message on the community message board if you have advice for others looking to get their cholesterol screened.

The Results
Cholesterol is not a single number. Your cholesterol screen will show you the following:
  • Total Blood Cholesterol Level
  • Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Level
  • High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Level
  • Ratio of LDL to HDL
  • Triglyceride Level

Read the article on Cholesterol and Your Health to learn more about what your results indicate.