Cholesterol tests are much different from any other medical test you get. This is because they are not used to diagnose a disease, but rather to prevent one – specifically heart disease. High cholesterol levels have been linked with hardening of the arteries, heart disease and a much higher risk of death from heart attacks. Cholesterol tests are now a routine part of preventive health care.
These tests are recommended as a screening exam that is to be done on adults at least once every five years. They are normally administered along with a routine physical exam. A cholesterol test is usually ordered in combination with other tests including HDL and LDL. This combo is called a lipid profile.
Cholesterol levels are tested more often with people who have been prescribed a particular diet and/or medication to control their cholesterol. The test is done to see how well these regimens work in lowering cholesterol to optimal levels and in turn lower the risk of developing heart disease.
In an average setting where testing is done, the results are put in three categories of risk:
shows a low risk of heart disease.
Testing will be done after treatment has started to monitor how much your cholesterol levels are decreasing. After seeing the changes, your target value will be determined by your doctor. This target is usually based on LDL levels.
Learn more about cholesterol test and how you can monitor your own cholesterol at the Reduce Cholesterol Guide.

Cholesterol: Many young adults, kids need but lack cholesterol screening - Journal Times
... National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a national survey that includes interviews and physical examinations ... a fellow at the CDC's division of heart disease and stroke prevention. "Heart disease ...
People's Pharmacy: Supplement for arthritis raised cholesterol - Tuscaloosa News
studies do not demonstrate any benefits for mild to moderate ... My 15-year-old son had low HDL and a poor cholesterol profile at his checkup. (Total cholesterol was 146, HDL 29 and LDL 96). So for 10 months,
Donohue: How to lower cholesterol without statin drugs - Alexandria Daily Town Talk
Dear Dr. Donohue: My doctor prescribed statin drugs to control my LDL cholesterol. First, I took lovastatin (Mevacor) and then simvastatin (Zocor), but I had muscle pain and weakness with them. I am reluctant ...
Genzyme, Isis: Cholesterol Drug Meets Goals In Fourth Late-stage Trial - Update - RTT News
(RTTNews) - Genzyme Corp. (GENZ: News ) and Isis Pharmaceuticals Inc. (ISIS) reported Wednesday that their investigational cholesterol-reducing drug Mipomersen met all study goals in a late-stage trial in patients ...
High Cholesterol Linked To Increased Coronary Heart Disease Risk In Young People - Personal Liberty Digest
Young people with high cholesterol may be more likely to develop coronary heart disease, according to findings published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. During a 20-year study conducted at the University ...