Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests

Cholesterol and triglyceride testing is done:

• As part of a routine physical exam to screen for a Reference lipid disorder Opens New Window.
• To check your response to medicines used to treat lipid disorders.
• To help determine your chances of having of heart disease, especially if you have other risk factors for heart disease or symptoms that suggest heart disease is present.
• If you have unusual symptoms, such as yellow fatty deposits in the skin (xanthomas), which may be caused by a rare genetic disease that causes very high cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol and triglyceride screening

Some health organizations recommend that everyone older than age 20 be checked for high cholesterol.^{Reference 1} Other organizations recommend cholesterol tests based on age and risk factors for heart disease.^{Reference 2}

Talk to your doctor about when you should get a cholesterol test.

For more information, see Reference When to Have a Cholesterol Test.

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