Cholesterol screenings are routine blood tests used to monitor your cholesterol levels and how they relate to your risk of developing heart disease or stroke. Because these panels are such an important measure of health, making sure you get accurate results is essential. However, many people don’t realize eating or drinking before these tests can skew results – making a difference when it comes to managing unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Here, Leslie Thompson, MSN, FNP-BC, a nurse practitioner at Henry Ford Health, explains everything you need to know about preparing for a cholesterol screening.
What Do Cholesterol Tests Measure?
The primary measures of a cholesterol test include low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and triglycerides:
- LDL cholesterol is considered a bad type of cholesterol as it is primarily responsible for plaque buildups in the arteries.
- HDL cholesterol is a good, or protective, type of cholesterol. Higher levels may reduce your overall risk of heart issues.
- Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood necessary for cell functioning. However, high amounts can increase your heart disease risk.
Cholesterol tests also include your total cholesterol level value which is based on a calculation of all these measures.
Can You Eat Before A Cholesterol Test?
Eating or drinking before a cholesterol blood test depends on the type of test your provider has ordered. These tests can be ordered as a fasting or non-fating blood panel.
“Traditionally these tests are ordered as a fasting test, especially for those who are high risk for heart disease or have had high cholesterol levels in the past,” says Thompson. “Non-fasting tests were approved as a screening option in 2018 by the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology.”
Why fasting is needed for some cholesterol tests
Your triglyceride results are the most likely to be affected by the food or beverages you consume leading up to your screening.
“The body processes and stores fats after meals which can elevate the triglyceride levels during a non-fasting state,” says Thompson.
To help control these levels – and get the most accurate triglyceride reading – fasting before a cholesterol test may be recommended.
Foods To Avoid Before A Cholesterol Test
Additionally, some foods you should be avoided before a cholesterol test include:
- Sugary beverages or foods
- Simple carbohydrates such as pasta and white bread
- Foods made with flour
- Alcohol
How To Prepare For A Cholesterol Blood Test
Before going in for a scheduled cholesterol test, make sure you have talked with your provider about what to expect and how to prepare. Here are best practices Thompson recommends to ensure the most accurate cholesterol results:
- Fast if necessary. For screenings that require fasting, you may need to avoid food or beverages (besides water) for up to 12 hours before having your blood drawn. Consult with your provider so you can plan accordingly.
- Stay hydrated. It is best to be well hydrated before any blood test. Be sure to drink water throughout your fasting period to avoid dehydration.
- Take any prescribed medications. If you take regular medications each day, there is no need to avoid taking them the morning of your cholesterol blood test.
If your cholesterol test does comes back identifying you with high cholesterol and at increased risk for heart disease, don’t panic. There many lifestyle modifications and medications your provider can recommend to help reduce your risk and in some cases, normalize your cholesterol levels.
Reviewed by Leslie Thompson, MSN, FNP-BC, a nurse practitioner and Director for Advanced Practice Providers at Henry Ford Health. She sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center – Professional Building.
