High cholesterol: Lipid profile test, fasting, cholesterol screening are some effective ways to monitor it in Summer

High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, making it crucial to keep track of your numbers regularly. (Image: Canva)

As temperatures rise during the summer months, it’s essential to stay vigilant about your health, including monitoring your cholesterol levels. High cholesterol can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, making it crucial to keep track of your numbers regularly. Fortunately, several common tests can help you assess and manage your cholesterol levels during the summer season.

Lipid profile test: This comprehensive blood test measures various types ofcholesterol, including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and triglycerides, says Dr Meenakshi Mohan, consultant pathologist- Neuberg Pulse Diagnostics, Kolkata. She says that LDL cholesterol, often referred to as bad cholesterol, can accumulate in the arteries, leading to plaque buildup and increasing the risk of heart disease. HDL cholesterol, known as good cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. Triglycerides are another type of fat in the blood that can impact heart health.

Fasting lipid profile: For accurate results, it’s recommended to fast for at least 9-12 hours before taking this test. Fasting helps ensure that the results are not skewed by recent meals, providing a clearer picture of your cholesterol levels, says Mohan.

Non-fasting lipid profile: Unlike the fasting lipid profile, this test does not require fasting beforehand. While fasting may provide slightly more accurate results, the non-fasting lipid profile can still offer valuable insights into your cholesterol levels as the fasting lipid levels provide liver derived lipo-proteins only whereas the non-fasting lipids provide intestine-derived lipoproteins making it a convenient option for summer testing. The absence of any time restriction makes it more feasible a test unless otherwise specified by the referring physician.

Cholesterol screening: Many pharmacies and clinics offer cholesterol screenings, which involve a simple finger-prick blood test to assess total cholesterol levels, says Mohan. While these screenings may not be as comprehensive as a lipid profile test, they can serve as a convenient and accessible option for monitoring cholesterol levels, especially during the summer months.

At home cholesterol test kits: Several at-home cholesterol test kits are available, allowing you to monitor your cholesterol levels from the comfort of your own home. These kits typically involve collecting a small blood sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. While at home tests may not be as accurate as laboratory-based tests, they can still provide valuable information about your cholesterol levels.

Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is crucial for maintaining heart health, especially during the summer when factors like diet and activity levels may fluctuate. By staying proactive and utilising these common tests, you can take control of your cholesterol management and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.