To fast or not to fast? This is a question many people ask before taking a cholesterol test.
In the past, patients were often told not to eat for at least eight hours before screening, and some doctors still recommend this.
But fasting before a lipid test is not necessary for most people because the effect on cholesterol levels is usually “negligible,” according to Harvard Medical School.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Jewish Health in Denver, no longer requires patients to fast before a cholesterol test.
“You want to see what your numbers look like as you live your life every day, not in some artificial state,” he told TODAY.com.
But cardiologists recommend avoiding one food before a blood test.
Cardiologist’s daily tip: Avoid sweets before a cholesterol test
“The reality is that the only real parameter on the lipid panel that changes dramatically and rapidly is triglycerides,” Freeman said.
“Therefore, I recommend that you avoid sweets and snacks before your lipid test to avoid triglyceride spikes.”
In addition to sugary foods and drinks, triglycerides rely on white carbohydrates, fatty foods, and alcohol, so cardiologists also avoid these foods and drinks before doing a lipid test.
why it’s important
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
Some are necessary for good health, but high levels of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Healthy triglyceride levels for adults are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
But about a quarter of Americans have levels that are too high. Experts at Harvard Medical School note that these patients should fast before taking a cholesterol test to get a more accurate measurement of triglycerides. That’s how Freeman performs lipid testing in his office.
How to get started
Freeman says that in addition to cutting out sweets and snacks, most people can eat what they normally eat the night before a cholesterol test.
“If you decide to eat only kale two weeks before your lipid test, your triglycerides may be very low, and your LDL may be a little lower,” he points out.
“(But) your goal is to try to capture what you look like in the wild, in the real world.”
Hopefully that includes lots of heart-healthy foods.
Be sure to check with your doctor to see if you need to fast before a cholesterol test.
Today’s expert tip The series is all about simple strategies to make life easier. Every Monday through Friday, a different qualified expert shares their best advice on diet, fitness, heart health, mental health and more.
This article was originally published on TODAY.com
