carrielynn
04-26-2009, 11:23 PM
Do you have to fast before a cholesterol test to get accurate results?
My doctor had my blood tested at 3 pm after an exam. Needless to say I had not been fasting. My cholesterol numbers were the highest they've ever been. The nurse said it didn't make any difference. They are going to retest me during another 3 pm appointment. I'm just wondering if I should insist on fasting ahead of time and getting the test taken in the morning. In the past I've always been fasting... if it doesn't make any difference that's fine, I would just like to know.
My doctor had my blood tested at 3 pm after an exam. Needless to say I had not been fasting. My cholesterol numbers were the highest they've ever been. The nurse said it didn't make any difference. They are going to retest me during another 3 pm appointment. I'm just wondering if I should insist on fasting ahead of time and getting the test taken in the morning. In the past I've always been fasting... if it doesn't make any difference that's fine, I would just like to know.
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tjlhb
04-27-2009, 02:26 AM
In a non-fasting condition, triglycerides / VLDL is the component that is most likely to be increased.
jenj770
04-27-2009, 09:46 AM
I'm always told to fast before the test
MeFromHere
04-30-2009, 02:39 AM
From what I've read, chol. won't be changed that much by not fasting, but trigs will.
carrielynn
05-04-2009, 11:24 AM
Here's a follow-up. I just had my cholesterol re-tested at a pharmacy. On one hand it's encouraging, on the other hand it's frustrating.
This time I was fasting.
Total is 227
LDL is 162 (last time, non-fasting it was 202)
HDL is 47 This is the lowest it's ever been. Usually I score in the high 50's and have even been in the 70's
Trig is 88 (last time, non-fasting, was 155)
So I've been able to lower my LDL pretty significantly in 2 months, but at the same time I lowered my HDL.
Frustrating!!!
This time I was fasting.
Total is 227
LDL is 162 (last time, non-fasting it was 202)
HDL is 47 This is the lowest it's ever been. Usually I score in the high 50's and have even been in the 70's
Trig is 88 (last time, non-fasting, was 155)
So I've been able to lower my LDL pretty significantly in 2 months, but at the same time I lowered my HDL.
Frustrating!!!
namelessme
05-04-2009, 03:11 PM
If you have lost weight recently, that may be why your HDL is lower. If so, give it time and it'll go back up again.
Ask your doctor for a VAP test, which is more accurate. With trigs below 100, your LDL may be all large particle, which is low-risk. But you won't know without proper testing.
Ask your doctor for a VAP test, which is more accurate. With trigs below 100, your LDL may be all large particle, which is low-risk. But you won't know without proper testing.