A Cholesterol test measures the levels of different types of fats (lipids) in your blood, including total cholesterol, HDL (good cholesterol), LDL (bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. These values help assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. High cholesterol levels often develop without symptoms, which is why this test is commonly recommended during routine health checkups or when risk factors like obesity, diabetes, smoking, or family history are present.
For the Cholesterol test, a small blood sample is collected from a vein. Fasting for 9–12 hours is usually recommended, especially when measuring triglycerides, to ensure accurate results. This test helps evaluate your heart health, guide lifestyle changes, and determine whether medication is needed to manage cholesterol levels effectively.
