Table of Content
This color will tell you how much cholesterol is in your droplet of blood. According to the Food and Drug Administration , at-home cholesterol tests are as accurate as tests doctors provide in a clinic. The FDA recommends that people follow the manufacturer’s instructions to help prevent inaccurate results. Additionally, the most advanced meters are capable of storing data from hundreds of tests. This stored data can provide a better picture of your cholesterol levels over time.
When choosing an at-home cholesterol test, people should check it is affiliated with the CDC’s tracking program. This means the test meets the program’s standards for accuracy. Read on for measuring triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Non-urgent advice: Ask your GP surgery or pharmacy for a cholesterol test if:
That’s why it’s important to have your doctor check your cholesterol levels with a simple blood test. It allows you to monitor your cholesterol without having to go to a doctor's office. The reliability of cholesterol home tests varies, and the results can fluctuate. Many cholesterol home test kits advertise that they are greater than 95% accurate.
Testing your cholesterol is a quick, easy, and important way to evaluate your risk of developing conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or stroke. While getting tested at your doctor’s office is the most reliable option, you can also use at-home tests that require only a small blood sample and a few minutes of waiting. Healthy cholesterol levels are a key component of cardiovascular wellness. If you have cardiovascular disease or elevated risk, you may need more frequent testing. After age 40, your doctor would recommend testing based on your calculated risk of having a heart attack or stroke. To determine your cardiovascular risk, your doctor will consider your cholesterol test results in context with your age, sex and family history.
How To Lower Cholesterol Naturally And Fast
The meter may start analyzing your sample automatically, or you may need to press a button to begin the process. Once again, follow the product instructions and talk to your pharmacist if you need help. Digital readout testers are available at pharmacies and online retailers. Always choose a kit that’s approved by the FDA (in the U.S.) or similar government agency where you live.
Dietary changes to make include eating less saturated fat and trans fats, including processed foods and red meat. You can replace those with foods that are high in omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon. They may contain tissue fluid or debris from sloughed skin. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. In general, you're better off not checking your cholesterol at home. Although the body needs some cholesterol to make vitamins and function properly, too much can increase health risks.
Cons of Everlywell At-Home Cholesterol and Lipids Test
This database is an excellent resource to search for FDA-cleared cholesterol home test kits. You can also use it to find other types of home test kits. WebMD explores the use of cholesterol home test kits and discusses their reliability. Read on to learn whether using a cholesterol home test kit might be right for you. Follow the manufacturer’s directions to make sure you’re getting the most accurate readings.
As a seasoned health writer, Jennifer Nied understands how vital quality product recommendations are for treating symptoms safely and effectively at home. Every product in this piece was selected taking into account recommendations from doctors, published research, and real customer reviews. Your total cholesterol may be within the normal range. But your HDL and LDL may be too low or high, which are bad for your health. However, they don't check your LDL and HDL cholesterol.
A quick look at the best at-home cholesterol tests of 2022
You can have a normal total cholesterol level, but still have high LDL or bad cholesterol. To get a clear assessment of your heart health, look for a kit that tests LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels. Take a follow-up test at your doctor’s office if they advise it. The in-office test may involve a finger prick like your at-home test, but it’s more likely that a blood sample will be collected from your arm with a needle. The lab will test this sample in more detail than your at-home test and give your doctor a more accurate and expansive view of your blood cholesterol levels. Home cholesterol tests are more accurate and convenient than ever before.
To be clear, we recommend regularly getting your heart checked out by a pro. Your heart rate, also known as your pulse, is a basic measurement of heart health, which is why your doctor or nurse often listens for it during check-ups. It’s easy to measure at home with no equipment and offers useful information about your heart and overall fitness. Once a person has collected their blood sample, they should receive their results within 25 days. It depends on the type of cholesterol and their levels.
After you take any at-home sample collection test, it is recommended that you discuss test results with your healthcare provider for appropriate follow-up. They can discuss your medical history and personally evaluate your risk for specific medical conditions. Everlywell manufactures an entire line of at-home health tests from thyroid to food sensitivity. The companys cholesterol test measures total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides, and includes a pre-paid shipping label and envelope.
The only tool missing from these kits is the lab itself. After all, it’d be tough to mail board-reviewed physicians and state-of-the-art equipment to your doorstep. Fortunately, you can still gain their expertise with nothing more than some postage.
If youâre interested in purchasing your own at home cholesterol test, be sure to read our quick guide to common testing options here. In a standard lipid panel, LDL is calculated based on the levels of other fat molecules. However, in some cases, those calculations can be thrown off, especially if a person has high levels of triglycerides.
No comments:
Post a Comment