A Quick Guide to At-Home Cholesterol Tests: Your Easy Path to Monitoring Heart Health
High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Regular testing is essential to monitor your cholesterol levels, and thankfully, there are at-home cholesterol tests that make it easier to keep track of your numbers. Whether you’re looking for quick results, an affordable option, or a test that provides medical follow-up, there are several excellent home cholesterol tests available. Here’s a breakdown of the best ones.
Top Picks for At-Home Cholesterol Tests
1. Most Affordable: Everlywell Cholesterol & Lipids Test
- Price: $
- Collection Method: Finger prick
- Results in: A few days
- Tests for: Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides
- Insurance Coverage: Accepts HSA/FSA
- Why We Love It: The Everlywell test is easy to use and provides a comprehensive, personalized report with actionable insights. It’s the most budget-friendly option and offers a deep dive into what your numbers mean. The results come from a certified lab, and a doctor will review your results for accuracy.
Pros:
- Easy and affordable
- Detailed, personalized report
- HIPAA-compliant for privacy
Cons:
- Slight wait time for results
- Not for those who need immediate feedback
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2. Best for Immediate Results: CURO L7 Professional Grade Lipid Blood Cholesterol Test Kit
- Price: $$
- Collection Method: Finger prick
- Results in: 3 minutes
- Tests for: Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, LDL/HDL ratio, non-HDL cholesterol
- Why We Love It: This handheld device is a real winner for those who want fast, reliable results. The CURO L7 gives results in just a few minutes and allows you to track your cholesterol over time. It’s the only test on this list that’s FDA-approved.
Pros:
- Instant results
- Tracks progress over time
- FDA-approved
Cons:
- Higher price point
- No insurance coverage
3. Best for Medical Follow-Up: Quest Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel
- Price: $
- Collection Method: In-person blood sample
- Results in: A few days
- Tests for: Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, LDL/HDL ratio, non-HDL cholesterol
- Why We Love It: Quest offers a comprehensive panel with a medical consultation if you have high cholesterol levels. The test is reviewed by certified labs, and a trained phlebotomist can even visit your home to collect the sample.
Pros:
- Offers medical follow-up for high cholesterol results
- Comprehensive testing
- In-person or home blood sample collection available
Cons:
- Requires an in-person blood draw
- No immediate results
Learn more about Quest’s Cholesterol Panel
How to Compare the Best At-Home Cholesterol Tests
| Test Name | Price | Key Features | Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everlywell Cholesterol & Lipids Test | $ | Affordable, lab-tested, personalized report | Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides |
| CURO L7 Professional Grade Kit | $$ | Instant results, FDA-approved | Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, LDL/HDL ratio, non-HDL cholesterol |
| Quest Cholesterol (Lipid) Panel | $ | Medical follow-up, in-person sample | Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, LDL/HDL ratio, non-HDL cholesterol |
Why You Should Test Your Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood, and while your body needs some cholesterol to function, too much can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries. This can result in narrowed arteries and increased risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
Here are some risk factors for high cholesterol:
- Age: Males 45 and older, females 55 and older
- Family history: If you have relatives with high cholesterol, you’re at a higher risk
- Lifestyle: A diet high in saturated fats, smoking, and lack of exercise can elevate your cholesterol levels
- Other health conditions: Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease can increase the risk
Cholesterol Levels: What to Look For
When you take a cholesterol test, you’ll be given several measurements:
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as the “good” cholesterol, higher numbers are better (ideal is 40-60 mg/dL).
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): The “bad” cholesterol, which can increase your risk for heart disease. Aim for less than 100 mg/dL.
- Total Cholesterol: Ideally, this should be under 200 mg/dL.
- Triglycerides: High triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease. A healthy level is under 150 mg/dL.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are at-home cholesterol tests accurate?
Yes, most at-home tests are very accurate, especially those that use certified labs for analysis. Be sure to choose a reputable test for peace of mind.
2. Can I take cholesterol tests at home regularly?
Absolutely! Home cholesterol tests are a great way to monitor your health between doctor visits. They help you keep track of progress if you’re making lifestyle changes.
3. What are the signs of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol doesn’t have obvious symptoms. The only way to know if your levels are high is through testing. However, high cholesterol can lead to heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.
4. How can I lower my cholesterol naturally?
You can lower your cholesterol by eating a healthy diet (low in saturated fats and high in fruits and vegetables), exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol intake.
Conclusion
At-home cholesterol tests are a convenient and effective way to monitor your heart health. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, quick results, or medical follow-up, there’s a cholesterol test out there that’s right for you. Remember, regular testing can give you the information you need to make better lifestyle choices and reduce your risk of heart disease.