Cholesterol/Triglycerides....Importance

Another test that can save your life is the cholesterol/triglycerides test.

How often? Every 5 years your doctor should check the cholesterol/triglyceride levels in your blood---more often if you already have high cholesterol or are using medication ot lower it. Ask your doctor about a home test kit like CardioCHek ($105 plus test strips, available at drugstores and online).

Target range: Aim for LDL cholesterol below 100/mg/dl; HDL cholesterol above 50 mg/dl; triglycerides below 150 mg/dl.

Why it matters? Having high LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, along with low HDL cholesterol, leads to artery plaque. About 50% of heart attacks and 20% of strokes are lined to elevated cholesterol levels.