Make Ailing Kids Happy

The higher your level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad”) cholesterol and the lower your level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good”) cholesterol, the greater your risk of a heart attack, stroke, kidney disease and dementia.

Recommended exams: A blood test measuring your lipid levels is recommended every five years, or more often if your results are abnormal. If you’re at high risk of heart disease, this test may begin as early as 20. In other cases, your doctor may not recommend this test until your mid-30s or mid-40s. This test measures total cholesterol as well as LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

What’s involved: Blood is drawn and is analyzed in a laboratory. An LDL level below 100 mg/dL for adults at average risk of heart disease or below 70 mg/dL for adults at a higher risk of heart disease is considered most desirable. Other desirable cholesterol levels include a total cholesterol value under 200 mg/dL, an HDL level of 50 mg/dL or higher, and a triglyceride level below 150 mg/dL.

How to prepare: Don’t eat or drink anything except water for nine to 12 hours before the test.