Planning To Get A Cholesterol Test Done? Here’s Are Few Things To Keep In Mind

Needless to say, the heart is one of the most important parts of one’s body. So, maintaining good habits is very important to keep your heart healthy and lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other major health problems. This involves regular exercise, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing stress. In addition to that, it is crucial to undergo health tests, especially cholesterol tests, from time to time. This may decrease your risk of developing heart problems in the future. When you think about a cholesterol test, the first thing that comes to mind is fasting before getting a cholesterol or lipid profile test done.

However, the Cardiology Society of India has come up with fresh guidelines that state that you do not need to fast. Speaking in a similar vein, Chairman of the Department of Cardiology at Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. J. P. S. Sawhney, said, “Fasting before lipid tests was believed to provide more accurate results because the food and drink consumed can affect the levels of certain lipids in the blood, particularly low-density lipoproteins (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol,” reported the Indian Express.

Recent reports suggest that fasting is not important before lipid tests for most people. The Cardiology Society of India recommend avoiding food choices with high sugar and carbohydrate levels and having a light meal or snack. This approach provides a more realistic representation of an individual’s typical lipid levels, as most people are in a non-fasting state for most of the day, the media outlet added.

Below are a few things to keep in mind before taking a cholesterol test or lipid panel:

1. Stay hydratedDehydration can make your cholesterol levels seem high, leading to inaccurate readings. Hence, it is important to drink adequate water prior to the test to obtain genuine results.
2. Avoid alcoholDrinking alcohol two days before the test may provide incorrect results. Hence, avoid consuming alcohol for at least 48 hours before the cholesterol test.
3. Limit fatty mealsAvoid fatty foods for at least 48 hours before the test, as consuming high-fat foods during this time period might have an impact on reading accuracy. This dietary choice assures the accuracy of the test findings.
4. Manage stressLastly, maintain a calm, composed demeanour and keep your stress levels in check for the 48 hours leading up to the test. Stressful activities during this period can adversely influence your cholesterol levels.