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How Frequent Should Cholesterol Level Test Be Done?
Question: My cholesteral is always high. How often can I do a test
Brief Answer:
if high, every 3 to 4 months
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The frequency of testing depends on the cholesterol levels.
Normally when the values are not at optimal level, testing is advised every 3 to 4 months till the cholesterol values improve.
In persons whose cholesterol levels are within normal range, with or without medication, the tests can be repeated once a year.
Cholesterol goals and treatment vary according to:
(1)presence of heart disease, aneursym , diabetes or cholesterol plaques in the carotid or circulation problems- these all indicate cholesterol plaques
(2)persons with very high LDL of greater than 190 (bad cholesterol) such as those people with a family history of high cholesterol
(3)people between 40 to 75 with cholesterol with LDL cholesterol between 70 and 189.
This group includes those with no obvious evidence of plaques
(4)those with high risk (due to smoking, high blood pressure, age)
In all of these groups either moderately intense or very high doses of medication are recommended to decrease the cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol medications work slightly differently, it is possible that you may get a better response with another medication.
Summary: (1) if it persistently high, the test can be done every 3 to 4 months . It can then be done once yearly when normal
(2)may need to consider switching medication to see if cholesterol improves
(3)continue exercise and determine if any diet changes are needed
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
if high, every 3 to 4 months
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
The frequency of testing depends on the cholesterol levels.
Normally when the values are not at optimal level, testing is advised every 3 to 4 months till the cholesterol values improve.
In persons whose cholesterol levels are within normal range, with or without medication, the tests can be repeated once a year.
Cholesterol goals and treatment vary according to:
(1)presence of heart disease, aneursym , diabetes or cholesterol plaques in the carotid or circulation problems- these all indicate cholesterol plaques
(2)persons with very high LDL of greater than 190 (bad cholesterol) such as those people with a family history of high cholesterol
(3)people between 40 to 75 with cholesterol with LDL cholesterol between 70 and 189.
This group includes those with no obvious evidence of plaques
(4)those with high risk (due to smoking, high blood pressure, age)
In all of these groups either moderately intense or very high doses of medication are recommended to decrease the cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cholesterol medications work slightly differently, it is possible that you may get a better response with another medication.
Summary: (1) if it persistently high, the test can be done every 3 to 4 months . It can then be done once yearly when normal
(2)may need to consider switching medication to see if cholesterol improves
(3)continue exercise and determine if any diet changes are needed
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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