Cholesterol test

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Drugs that may decrease total cholesterol measurements include:

Allopurinol
Androgens
Colchicine
Colestipol
Fibrates
MAO inhibitors
Neomycin
Niacin
Statins

How the test will feel

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the test is performed

This test is often done to determine your risk for coronary artery disease. High blood cholesterol and triglycerides have been linked to heart attack and stroke.

Experts recommend that you have a complete cholesterol and triglycerides analysis every 5 years starting at age 20.

The total cholesterol test is usually done as part of a lipid profile, which also checks for LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.

Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:

Arteriosclerosis of the extremities
Familial dysbetalipoproteinemia
Familial hypercholesterolemia
Hypothyroidism
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
Primary biliary cirrhosis

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Cholesterol test

Review Date: 05/02/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).