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High cholesterol screening

For a high cholesterol screening, a blood sample will be taken from your finger or from a full blood draw to test LDL, HDL, triglycerides and total cholesterol. Following this, your MinuteClinic® provider will discuss the test results with you. They can give you information and personalized advice to help manage your cholesterol.

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Both in-person and virtual visits may be available when you schedule your visit.

Insurance and pricing

Most insurance accepted. Check your coverage or estimate the cost of your visit if you’re uninsured or prefer to pay out-of-pocket.

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Need info on how to get a high cholesterol screening? We can help.

What conditions are associated with high cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a form of fat that your body requires for normal functioning. Your liver produces all the cholesterol the body needs, but you can also take in more cholesterol from meat and other types of food.

The excess cholesterol can build up plaque on the walls of blood vessels over time, and eventually harden. The process, called atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and makes it harder for blood to flow. The constriction makes the heart work harder than normal.

Too much cholesterol in your system increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and complications, including high blood pressure, heart failure and stroke.

What does a cholesterol screening measure?

A comprehensive cholesterol test is also called a lipid panel or lipid profile. The results of a lipid panel provide four measurements:

  • Total cholesterol: The sum of all the types of cholesterol in your blood
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): The undesirable “bad” kind of cholesterol that can build up plaque and clog your blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): The “good” kind that helps clear LDL from your blood vessels and keeps arteries open for blood to flow freely.
  • Triglycerides: These are converted by the body from unused calories and then stored in fat cells. Hormones release triglycerides into the bloodstream for energy between meals.

Getting help

Your MinuteClinic provider can perform a lipid test. These providers are trained to check your cholesterol levels and analyze the results. They will review your medical history and lifestyle. Following the screening, your provider can discuss the results with you and determine next steps. This can include further monitoring or testing, as well as a possible referral to a specialist.

  1. Prior to scheduling your appointment, you may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit.

  2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment.

    If you made your appointment online:

    Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

    If you made your appointment in the clinic:

    Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

    If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:


    To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

  3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
  4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
  5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, a receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send information about your visit to your primary care provider.

High cholesterol screening risk factors and results

Talk with your health care team about your health history and how often you need to have your cholesterol checked. Cholesterol should be checked starting early in life (even children and adolescents should have their cholesterol checked). Children should be checked at least once between ages of 9 and 11, and then again as adolescents between the ages of 17 and 21. Most healthy adults should have their cholesterol checked every 4 to 6 years. More frequent, annual testing is routine for people diagnosed with:

  • Diabetes
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High cholesterol levels requiring medication

In the U.S., one in six adults has high cholesterol. Typically, there are no visible symptoms, so many people do not know they have high cholesterol. A screening test helps diagnose if you have high cholesterol, so you can take steps to treat and reduce it.

Testing for high cholesterol is also advised if you:

  • Are diagnosed with diabetes, kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid issues
  • Are overweight or obese
  • Drink alcohol frequently
  • Have a history of high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease in your family
  • Lead an inactive (sedentary) lifestyle
  • Smoke cigarettes

Cholesterol is measured in milligrams (mg) of cholesterol per deciliter (dL) of blood. The ideal levels for most adults are:

  • Total cholesterol level below 200 mg/dL
  • LDL level below 100 mg/dL (lower is better)
  • HDL level above 60 mg/dL (higher is better)
  • Triglycerides level below 150 mg/dL (lower is better)
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IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ: This material is for reference only and should not be used to determine treatment for specific medical conditions. Please visit a health care provider for evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you're experiencing a medical emergency, please dial 911 or visit your local emergency department.

 

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