High Cholesterol: Diagnosis

High blood cholesterol is diagnosed by checking levels of cholesterol in your blood. It is best to have a blood test called a lipoprotein profile to measure your cholesterol levels. You will need to not eat or drink anything for 9 to 12 hours before taking the test.

The lipoprotein profile will give information about your:

• Total cholesterol

• Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) level, known as "bad cholesterol": the main source of cholesterol buildup and blockage in the arteries

• High-density lipoprotein (HDL) level, known as "good cholesterol": the good cholesterol that helps keep cholesterol from building up in arteries

• Triglycerides: another form of fat in your blood

If it is not possible to get a lipoprotein profile done, knowing your total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol can give you a general idea about your cholesterol levels. Testing for total and HDL cholesterol does not require fasting.

Triglycerides can also raise your risk for heart disease. If you have levels that are borderline high, you may need treatment. Things that can increase triglyceride levels include:

• Being overweight.

• Physical inactivity.

• Smoking cigarettes.

• Excessive alcohol use.

• Very high carbohydrate diet.

• Certain diseases and drugs.

• Genetic disorders.

This information has been adapted from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.