Understanding Cholesterol Tests

Cholesterol tests, which include HDL, LDL, and triglyceride tests are part of a lipid profile. Cholesterol should be measured when a person is healthy and should be part of a regular physical exam. ("Blood cholesterol is temporarily low during acute illness, immediately following a heart attack, or during stress (like from surgery or an accident). You should wait at least 6 weeks after any illness to have cholesterol measured. Cholesterol is high during pregnancy. Women should wait at least six weeks after the baby is born to have cholesterol measured.")