Children are at a lower risk of high cholesterol, but it’s still recommended that a child receive one screening test between the ages of 9 and 11. Teenagers between 17 and 21 years of age should also get a cholesterol test. [3] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
If your doctor has recommended it, you will need to abstain from eating anything for twelve hours before your test. Additionally, don’t drink any fluids but water. [6] X Research source
Wine can also boost your ‘good cholesterol’ levels, distorting your cholesterol reading results even more.
Don’t forget to include any herbal or dietary supplements you take in this list. [8] X Research source
Daily exercise can also be invaluable for managing one’s weight. This is important for lowering your cholesterol levels, as excess weight has been linked to high cholesterol and heart disease as a risk factor.
Some fiber-rich foods include oats barley, oat bran, beans, and eggplant. [11] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
Also be sure to avoid saturated fats and trans fats! Trans and saturated fats have been linked to heart disease and high ‘bad cholesterol’ levels, so keep them out of your diet at all costs. Trans fats are designed to extend shelf life, so you’ll find them mostly in fast food and highly processed products. [13] X Trustworthy Source Harvard Medical School Harvard Medical School’s Educational Site for the Public Go to source
The cardiovascular benefits of quitting are so significant that it halves your risk of heart disease after just one year. [15] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Even if you end up taking a cholesterol lowering drug, you’ll still need to make corresponding lifestyle changes, such as performing daily exercise and monitoring your diet.
