5 Things That Can Throw Off a Cholesterol Test
Cholesterol is a critical component of the body that influences our overall health and regulates several bodily functions. Blood testing is one way to measure your cholesterol level. However, do you know some things can throw off your cholesterol test result?
This blog will highlight five things that can throw off a cholesterol test. In addition, it will cover certain preventive measures you can take to help ensure accurate cholesterol test results:
Fried Food
While fried food is one of the best comfort foods, it could be the worst food for you if you are due for a cholesterol test. This is because fried food is high in unsaturated fats that can increase your LDL or bad cholesterol levels.
Hence, do not consume any fried food at least seven days before your test.
Dairy
Dairy, which includes products like butter, milk, cheese, and cream, is also a source of trans and unsaturated fats. Excessive consumption of dairy products can put you at risk of high cholesterol.
Therefore, dairy is also a food group that you must avoid at least 7-10 days before a cholesterol test.
Red Meat
Red meat, in particular beef, lamb, and venison, is considered a major red flag that can throw your upcoming cholesterol test off. This is because red meat is full of low-density lipoprotein, more commonly known as LDL cholesterol.
Bad cholesterol can form a permanent place inside your heart and block your arteries, increasing your risk of developing coronary heart diseases (CHD).
Thus, if you have high LDL cholesterol levels or are generally worried about your health, it is important to eliminate red meat from your diet to lead a healthy life. Eating a lot of red meat can not only throw off your cholesterol test but it can also cause various long-term health complications, including Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.
Specialized Medication
Drugs like hormone therapy drugs, birth control pills, blood pressure medication, and pain-easing steroids are a few examples of specialized drugs that can throw your cholesterol test off.
If you take any of these medications, make sure to consult your doctor before your cholesterol test. Your doctor can provide you with the right plan to ensure you are prepared for the test.
Test Without Fasting
Last but not least, another factor that can throw off your cholesterol testis not following basic cholesterol testing requirements or instructions. To ensure accurate cholesterol test results, you must fast for 10-12 hours, so remember to follow this; otherwise your result will be inaccurate.
Final Word
Taking cholesterol tests is one of the cornerstones for maintaining a healthy life. However, doing this is not as easy as it seems, as there are quite a few factors that can throw them off.
Hence, we have defined them in this blog so you can avoid them and get accurate test results. In addition, we have suggested measures you can take to offset the things that can throw off your test. Phlebotomy On Wheels is providing phlebotomy testing services VA.