Testing cholesterol is an easy way to check a person’s risk for developing heart disease .

High cholesterol levels cause plaque to build up, which can block or narrow arteries, leading to heart attacks and other major health issues.

Share on Pinterest A lipid panel or lipid profile measures the amount of cholesterol in the blood.

A cholesterol test is also called a lipid panel or a lipid profile. This blood test measures the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

The amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood can help doctors determine whether or not plaque has built up in a person’s arteries.

A complete cholesterol test measures the following four types of fats in the blood:

Total cholesterol level: The total amount of cholesterol in a person’s blood.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: Often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” this is the cholesterol that can build up in the arteries, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: This cholesterol is called “good cholesterol” because it helps keep the arteries clear of LDL cholesterol.

Triglycerides: These are fats in the bloodstream that give the body energy. When these fats don’t get used, the body stores them. Too many of these fats can be indicators of health problems including heart disease.

Risks of untreated high cholesterol

High cholesterol often has no signs and symptoms but can have devastating health consequences. When there is too much cholesterol in the blood, it builds up in the arteries and can harden. This buildup of plaque narrows the arteries and reduces and slows the blood flow to the heart. If the blood supply to any part of the heart is totally blocked, a heart attack occurs.

What is a cholesterol test used for?

A cholesterol test is a useful tool to assess the risk of heart disease including heart attack and stroke.

The test is used to measure and analyze the amount of fats in the blood. If there is too much cholesterol in the blood, treatment can be started to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Who should get one? How often?

Everyone should get their cholesterol checked regularly. How often depends on age and certain health risk factors.

An adult with average risk of heart disease should get their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years starting at age 20.

Some adults need to test their cholesterol more regularly. Those adults include the following individuals:

those with a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol

anyone with a previously high cholesterol test

people with diabetes

obese or overweight individuals

inactive people

people who eat a high-fat diet

men over the age of 45

women over the age of 55

smokers

Additionally, children should have their cholesterol tested. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend testing a child’s cholesterol levels once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between the ages of 17 and 21.

Cholesterol testing is generally avoided during puberty because hormones can alter the results of the tests.