{"id":9306,"date":"2024-10-07T22:18:08","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T19:18:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/?p=9306"},"modified":"2026-04-20T18:55:25","modified_gmt":"2026-04-20T15:55:25","slug":"cholesterol-analysis-proper-preparation-for-accurate-results","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/cholesterol-analysis-proper-preparation-for-accurate-results\/","title":{"rendered":"Cholesterol test: proper preparation for accurate results"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"\" data-start=\"540\" data-end=\"937\">Elevated cholesterol has no symptoms for a long time, but it can become the basis for the development of serious cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels is an effective way to assess the risks associated with the health of the heart and blood vessels. But in order for the analysis results to be reliable, it is important to prepare properly. In this article, we will look at how to do it correctly and without errors.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"939\" data-end=\"979\">Why take a cholesterol test?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"981\" data-end=\"1220\">Cholesterol is involved in the synthesis of hormones, vitamin D, and is a component of cell membranes. At the same time, its excess, especially in the form of low-density lipoproteins (LDL), leads to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and narrowing of blood vessels.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1222\" data-end=\"1270\">According to cardiologist Dr. Oleksandr Tkachuk:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"1271\" data-end=\"1497\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1497\"><strong data-start=\"1273\" data-end=\"1497\">\u201cA cholesterol blood test is one of the easiest ways to prevent a heart attack or stroke before symptoms appear. It is especially important for people over 40 or if there is a family history of heart disease.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1499\" data-end=\"1537\">What indicators are included in the lipid profile?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1539\" data-end=\"1593\">Standard analysis includes several basic parameters:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1595\" data-end=\"1916\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1595\" data-end=\"1662\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1662\"><a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/biochemical-blood-tests\/blood-lipid-spectrum\/cholesteryn-zagalnyj-cholesterol-total\/\"><strong data-start=\"1597\" data-end=\"1621\">Total cholesterol<\/strong><\/a> \u2014 the total amount of all lipids in the blood<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1663\" data-end=\"1733\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1733\"><strong data-start=\"1665\" data-end=\"1694\">LDL (bad cholesterol)<\/strong> \u2014 the main risk factor for atherosclerosis<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1734\" data-end=\"1796\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1796\"><strong data-start=\"1736\" data-end=\"1764\">HDL (good cholesterol)<\/strong> \u2014 protects blood vessels by \u201ccleansing\u201d them<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1797\" data-end=\"1858\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1858\"><strong data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1815\">Triglycerides<\/strong> \u2014 additional marker of lipid metabolism disorders<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"1859\" data-end=\"1916\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1916\"><strong data-start=\"1861\" data-end=\"1889\">Atherogenicity coefficient<\/strong> \u2014 LDL\/HDL ratio<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"1918\" data-end=\"1952\">What affects the analysis result?<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"1954\" data-end=\"2057\">Cholesterol levels are an indicator that is highly dependent on external and internal factors. These include:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2246\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2059\" data-end=\"2087\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2061\" data-end=\"2087\">food in the previous days<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2088\" data-end=\"2116\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2090\" data-end=\"2116\">physical activity level<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2117\" data-end=\"2124\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2119\" data-end=\"2124\">stress<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2125\" data-end=\"2156\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2127\" data-end=\"2156\">alcohol or caffeine consumption<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2157\" data-end=\"2176\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2159\" data-end=\"2176\">hormonal changes<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"2177\" data-end=\"2246\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2179\" data-end=\"2246\">taking medications (such as corticosteroids or beta-blockers)<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2248\" data-end=\"2321\">Dr. Natalia Veres, a laboratory diagnostics specialist, warns:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"2322\" data-end=\"2467\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2324\" data-end=\"2467\"><strong data-start=\"2324\" data-end=\"2467\">\u201cEven a cup of morning coffee or a morning run before the test can significantly increase triglyceride levels. Therefore, preparation is critically important.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-start=\"2324\" data-end=\"2467\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-9308\" src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/themes\/woodmart\/images\/lazy.svg\" data-src=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250320_073829_Contacts.jpg\" alt=\"blood test tube for cholesterol testing\" width=\"1200\" height=\"610\" srcset=\"\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250320_073829_Contacts.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250320_073829_Contacts-150x76.jpg 150w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250320_073829_Contacts-600x305.jpg 600w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250320_073829_Contacts-300x153.jpg 300w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250320_073829_Contacts-1024x521.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/Screenshot_20250320_073829_Contacts-768x390.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"2469\" data-end=\"2515\">Detailed instructions for preparing for analysis<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"2517\" data-end=\"2581\">Here&#039;s what you should do to get accurate and correct results:<\/p>\n<div class=\"group pointer-events-none relative flex justify-center *:pointer-events-auto\"><button class=\"hover:bg-token-main-surface-secondary text-token-text-secondary pointer-events-auto rounded-lg px-1 py-1 opacity-0 transition-opacity duration-200 group-focus-within:opacity-100 group-hover:opacity-100\"><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"tableContainer horzScrollShadows relative\">\n<table class=\"min-w-full\" data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"3054\">\n<thead data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2608\">\n<tr data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2608\">\n<th data-start=\"2583\" data-end=\"2598\">Recommendation<\/th>\n<th data-start=\"2598\" data-end=\"2608\">Details<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"3054\">\n<tr data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2719\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2635\" data-end=\"2653\"><strong data-start=\"2637\" data-end=\"2652\">Starvation<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"2653\" data-end=\"2719\">at least 9\u201312 hours before the test; you can&#039;t even drink tea or coffee<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"2780\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"2737\"><strong data-start=\"2722\" data-end=\"2736\">Drinking water<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2737\" data-end=\"2780\">only clean, still water is allowed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2781\" data-end=\"2854\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2781\" data-end=\"2808\"><strong data-start=\"2783\" data-end=\"2807\">Physical activity<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"2808\" data-end=\"2854\">avoid intense exercise for 24 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2908\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2855\" data-end=\"2870\"><strong data-start=\"2857\" data-end=\"2869\">Alcohol<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2870\" data-end=\"2908\">prohibited for at least 24\u201348 hours<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2975\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2909\" data-end=\"2921\"><strong data-start=\"2911\" data-end=\"2920\">Stress<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"2921\" data-end=\"2975\">avoid psychological stress before the procedure<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"2976\" data-end=\"3054\">\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)]\" data-start=\"2976\" data-end=\"2987\"><strong data-start=\"2978\" data-end=\"2986\">Medicine<\/strong><\/td>\n<td class=\"max-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)*2\/3)] min-w-[calc(var(--thread-content-max-width)\/3)]\" data-start=\"2987\" data-end=\"3054\">discuss with your doctor the discontinuation or adjustment of medication<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3056\" data-end=\"3098\">Tips to help you avoid mistakes<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3543\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3100\" data-end=\"3264\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3264\"><strong data-start=\"3102\" data-end=\"3134\">Don&#039;t experiment with diets.<\/strong> on the eve: fatty foods on the eve of the test can increase cholesterol levels, and a sharp \u201ccleansing of the diet\u201d distorts the overall picture<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3265\" data-end=\"3364\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3364\"><strong data-start=\"3267\" data-end=\"3310\">Do not smoke 1\u20132 hours before blood collection<\/strong> \u2014 this can cause vasospasm and increase blood pressure<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3365\" data-end=\"3453\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3453\"><strong data-start=\"3367\" data-end=\"3393\">Don&#039;t change your sleep schedule.<\/strong> \u2014 chronic fatigue and lack of sleep affect hormonal balance<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3454\" data-end=\"3543\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3456\" data-end=\"3543\"><strong data-start=\"3456\" data-end=\"3480\">Donate blood in the morning.<\/strong> \u2014 best from 08:00 to 11:00, when the indicators are most stable<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3545\" data-end=\"3587\">Who needs to take the test and how often?<\/h2>\n<ul data-start=\"3589\" data-end=\"3884\">\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3589\" data-end=\"3651\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3651\"><strong data-start=\"3591\" data-end=\"3611\">1 time in 5 years<\/strong> \u2014 for people without complaints and risk factors<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3652\" data-end=\"3692\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3654\" data-end=\"3692\"><strong data-start=\"3654\" data-end=\"3675\">Once every 1\u20132 years<\/strong> \u2014 after 45 years<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3693\" data-end=\"3798\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3695\" data-end=\"3798\"><strong data-start=\"3695\" data-end=\"3717\">Every 6\u201312 months<\/strong> \u2014 for people with hypertension, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"\" data-start=\"3799\" data-end=\"3884\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3801\" data-end=\"3884\"><strong data-start=\"3801\" data-end=\"3856\">Before prescribing statins or during treatment<\/strong> \u2014 to monitor efficiency<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"\" data-start=\"3886\" data-end=\"3917\">The role of nutrition before the test<\/h2>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"3919\" data-end=\"4138\">The question often arises: <strong data-start=\"3944\" data-end=\"3994\">Does diet before the test affect the results?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3994\" data-end=\"3997\" \/>Respond: <strong data-start=\"4008\" data-end=\"4015\">Yes<\/strong>. The diet 2\u20133 days before the test should not be too fatty or drastically changed. Ideally, maintain your usual diet.<\/p>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4140\" data-end=\"4187\">Nutritionist-cardiologist Dr. Iryna Savchuk notes:<\/p>\n<blockquote data-start=\"4188\" data-end=\"4343\">\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4190\" data-end=\"4343\"><strong data-start=\"4190\" data-end=\"4343\">\u201cResults <a href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/analysis\/biochemical-blood-tests\/blood-lipid-spectrum\/lipidogram-lipid-profile\/\">lipidograms<\/a> should reflect your true health picture, not short-term changes. Therefore, honest preparation is an investment in credibility.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"\" data-start=\"4345\" data-end=\"4576\">Remember that <a class=\"wpil_keyword_link\" href=\"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/cholesterol-analysis-answers-to-the-query-key\/\"   title=\"Cholesterol analysis: answers to key questions\" data-wpil-keyword-link=\"linked\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"154\">cholesterol test<\/a> \u2014 it&#039;s not just a number. It&#039;s part of the big picture of heart and vascular health. Proper preparation gives your doctor accurate data for decision-making and helps avoid unnecessary treatments or misdiagnoses.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Elevated cholesterol may not have symptoms for a long time, but it can become the basis for the development of serious cardiovascular diseases. Regular monitoring of cholesterol levels<\/p>","protected":false},"author":627,"featured_media":9307,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9306","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9306","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/627"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9306"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9306\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9307"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9306"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9306"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/medilab.km.ua\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9306"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}