Making the Diagnosis
If there's a likelihood that you have high cholesterol, your doctor will order a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level. These tests usually measure your total cholesterol level as well as your levels of LDL and HDL cholesterol. You may need to fast before your blood test (no food or drink except water for 12 hours before the test).
As part of this screening process, your doctor may give you a physical exam and ask you about your diet and medical conditions in your personal and family history. Your doctor will also check for other risk factors you may have for heart disease.
Risk factors for heart disease include:
- personal or family history of heart disease
- smoking
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- high LDL cholesterol
- low HDL cholesterol
- age
- obesity
- physical inactivity