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    • Cholesterol & Triglycerides
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    • Overview
      • Cholesterol
      • Triglycerides
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      • Cholesterol Treatment: Medication and Lifestyle Changes
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      • Do Your Part to Lower Your Cholesterol
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    • View Full Guide

    Tests & Diagnosis

    A cholesterol blood test is the first step in diagnosing high cholesterol. We’ll help you understand your test results.

    1. Diagnosing High Cholesterol

      1. Diagnosing High Cholesterol

        To assess your cholesterol level, your doctor will usually ask for a simple blood test called a lipoprotein profile.

      2. Should You Get Tested for High Cholesterol?

        How often do you need a cholesterol test? That depends on whom you ask. Guidelines can be inconsistent.

      3. What Is a Cholesterol Test?

        A complete cholesterol test checks your blood to see if your cholesterol and triglycerides are at a healthy level.

      4. Cholesterol Testing and the Lipid Panel

        The different kinds of cholesterol and other fats in your blood are together called lipids.

      5. What Is the Apolipoprotein B-100 (ApoB) Test?

        An ApoB test helps your doctor analyze whether or not you are at risk for heart disease.

      6. Cholesterol Home Test Kits

        Cholesterol home test kits are available to use between appointments with your health care provider.

      7. Fasting for Blood Tests

        Fasting means you don't eat or drink anything but water usually for 8 to 12 hours beforehand.

      8. Who Treats High Cholesterol?

        Your high cholesterol care team depends on things like how high your levels are, what’s causing it, and other conditions.

      9. What Is a Lipidologist?

        Lipidologists work with primary care doctors and cardiologists to make prevention or treatment plans around cholesterol.

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