High Cholesterol: Making the Diagnosis

Everyone over the age of 20 should get their cholesterol levels measured at least once every 5 years. High cholesterol itself does not cause any symptoms; so many people are unaware that their cholesterol levels are too high. Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high lessens the risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of a heart attack or dying of heart disease, even if you already have it.

To assess your cholesterol level, your doctor will usually perform a simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile. The lipoprotein profile evaluates the following:

• LDL (low density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "bad" cholesterol)
• HDL (high density lipoprotein cholesterol, also called "good" cholesterol)
• Triglycerides (also called very low density lipoprotein)
• Total cholesterol level

In addition to the blood test, your doctor will perform a full physical examination, discussing your medical history, checking your heart rate, listening to your heartbeat, and taking your blood pressure.

If your cholesterol is found to be high, your doctor will recommend various treatment options ranging from dietary and lifestyle changes to medication to lower your cholesterol.

Further tests may be recommended if your doctor feels you are at risk for heart disease. To learn more about heart disease tests, visit WebMD's Heart Disease Guide.

Get the facts about cholesterol.
Find out what cholesterol numbers really mean.
View the full table of contents for the High Cholesterol Guide.

Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic Heart Center.