If you are 20 or older you should have your cholesterol measured at least once every five years by your primary care doctor. Measuring cholesterol is done with a blood test called a lipoprotein panel. It requires a 9 to 12-hour fast and gives information about your total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, HDL (good) cholesterol and Triglycerides. Your cholesterol level is a good indicator of your risk for heart disease.

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• Learn about the role cholesterol plays in heart disease.

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• Learn more about heart care at CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute.