A Home Cholesterol Test: Discovering What Your Blood Reveals About Coronary Risk

A home cholesterol test can provide answers, if you are concerned about coronary risk. Approved for use in 1993, these tests can accurately determine your cholesterol levels—in the privacy of your own home!

Home cholesterol testing offers certain advantages. Tests are readily available. You do not need to get a prescription. When used correctly, they are about 95% accurate.

You may need to fast when taking a home cholesterol test. Your results may show higher if you neglect to do this. Also, many of these tests only give a total cholesterol reading, which does not include information about your high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or low-density lipoprotein (LDL).

Other newer home cholesterol testing is digital. These tests give a comprehensive picture: HDL, LDL, triglyceride, and glucose readings. Digital tests appear to be highly accurate.

While a home cholesterol test can give you an idea of your cholesterol levels, in most cases it is better to seek out medical advice. Your doctor can administer pertinent tests and decide what steps may be needed. In some cases, especially if your levels are high, repeated testing will need to be carried out.

Home cholesterol testing may involve use of a lancet (to draw blood), a test pad (for your sample), and a color chart. You may be instructed to make a visual comparison between the test pad and the color chart.

Another test may require using a lancet to draw blood, which is then placed in a well. A tester may be used where colors change to give your reading. In this home cholesterol test, a measurement scale is used that shows color changes and a color peak indicates the concentration of cholesterol in the sample.

Most people that consider home cholesterol testing are concerned about their blood cholesterol levels. If you have been eating rich, high-fat meals or have a family history of heart disease, this may be tru e of you.

Remember, though, it is never too late to change habits. Making certain changes can contribute to better health.

Quick Tips
Join a walking group
Consider taking a dance class
Join a swim group

Talk to a dietician or nutritionist about how to change over to low-fat meals. Make a list of appropriate foods to stock your cupboards with.

If you are attempting to bring about better cholesterol levels, you can achieve additional support through use of natural supplements. These formulas contain clinically tested plant compounds:

Vitamin E (inhibits the progression of atherosclerosis) Green tea (impacts on harmful cholesterol) Oryzanol rice bran oil (contains phytosterols that reduce cholesterol absorption) Beta-sitosterol (used for treating hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease) Lecithin oil (for treatment of high cholesterol)

Supplements contain specific ingredients that support the body and help it to normalize cholesterol levels naturally, lowering total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides.

A home cholesterol test may be another step because it can provide important clues about your health.