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How Often Should You Have A Cholesterol Test

By Debdatta Mazumder

Doctors always suggest that every adult should get his/her cholesterol levels checked at regular intervals. It is one of the regular health check-ups like checking sugar level or BP.

So, when should you go in for a cholesterol test? Basically, it depends on your lifestyle and genetic history. If there is a tendency of high cholesterol in your family, doctors suggest regular check-up for children as well.

How often should you have a cholesterol test? Before discussing that, you should know how cholesterol affects your body. High cholesterol affects the blood circulation throughout your whole body. Cholesterol is a fatty substance that helps the human body to make hormones and vitamin D.

High cholesterol means an increased amount of it than your body actually should have. This situation affects your heart and other organs. Apart from the in-built cholesterol, it enters into our body through the food and drink we eat.

Red meat, processed foods, oily foods, sugary beverages, etc., are sources of added cholesterol in our body. Besides, lack of sleep, stress, etc., make the situation worse.

A simple blood test is enough to detect your cholesterol level. If you are suffering from high cholesterol, in such a case you need to bring a change in your lifestyle and diet pattern. How often should you have a cholesterol test?

1.Once A Year:

1.Once A Year:

Generally, physicians suggest to have a regular check-up once a year. Every person must go through a whole body check-up every year, this includes a cholesterol test on the list.

2.3-4 Times A Year:

2.3-4 Times A Year:

This is needed if a person suffers from hypercholesterolaemia that is an increased level of cholesterol. In this case, a person is suggested to get the cholesterol levels checked for 3-4 times a year along with maintaining other guidelines.

3.Men Post 35 Years:

3.Men Post 35 Years:

When should you have a cholesterol test? You should know the actual age of getting tested. Every man should check his cholesterol level after the age of 35 years. But, if anyone has a history of coronary artery disease, he should start getting it checked from the age of 20.

4.Women Post 45 Years:

4.Women Post 45 Years:

How often should women undergo a cholesterol test? In case of high risk, you should start checking after the age of 20. High risk means diabetes, genetic history of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, etc. Otherwise, women can get their cholesterol levels checked after the age of 45 years.

5.Once In Every 5 Years:

5.Once In Every 5 Years:

This regimen is for those who maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly. In that case, they will usually have enough good cholesterol than bad cholesterol in their body. Getting it checked in every 5 years once is enough to notice changes in the level. Now, you know how often you should have a cholesterol test.

6.Six Month Test:

6.Six Month Test:

Are you on medication for high cholesterol? Then you should check the level after every 6 months from you having started the prescribed medicines. You need to check if the medicines are working or not.

Follow these schedules. But do consult a doctor before having a blood test. Along with checking, you should also concentrate on what you eat or drink, exercise regularly and check for other diseases as well. Precaution is definitely better than cure. So, take these effective steps before it is too late.

Story first published: Sunday, December 13, 2015, 11:47 [IST]
Read more about: wellness