Cholesterol and triglycerides tests are blood tests that measure the amount of lipids (fats and fatty substances) in your blood. Lipids include:
Cholesterol.
Triglycerides.
"Good" (HDL) and "bad" (LDL) lipoprotein.
Why are these tests done?
These tests are done to help find out your risk of coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke. Your doctor uses your cholesterol levels plus other things such as blood pressure, age, and sex to find out your risk. These tests also help your doctor find out how well medicine is working.
How do you prepare for these tests?
Not eating or drinking (fasting) before the blood test is not usually needed, but it may be recommended. Your doctor may ask you to fast except for drinking water for 8 hours before the test. In most cases, you can take medicines with water on the morning of the test.
Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the test.
Tell the doctor all the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the test and how soon to do it. Some of these may affect the results of this test.
How are these tests done?
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Review Board All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.
Sign out
