Your older brother started a statin this summer after a stent at 54, and when he asked when you last had your cholesterol checked, you couldn’t say. It might have been the physical for your old job, five or six years ago, so cholesterol testing in Fairfax, VA went to the top of your list. Here’s how high cholesterol care works with Dr. Connie Le at Annandale Primary Care.
How Often Should I Have Cholesterol Testing in Fairfax, VA?
According to Healthline, the CDC recommends a check every 4 to 6 years, and more often for people with a family history or other risk factors for heart disease. With your brother’s stent and a gap of five years or more, this fall is a good time, and Dr. Le can add the test to your yearly physical.
Do I Need to Fast Before My Cholesterol Blood Test?
Ask when you book. Our high cholesterol page notes that your doctor measures your cholesterol with a simple blood test, and the office will tell you whether to come in fasting for yours. Typically, Healthline notes, a lipid panel measures your total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.
How Would My Cholesterol Results Change My Next Steps?
Our heart disease page explains that LDL raises your risk of heart disease while HDL lowers it, and that our doctors monitor their patients’ cholesterol levels to reduce that risk. In the event your LDL comes back high, our high cholesterol page recommends lifestyle changes first, from cutting trans fats to exercising regularly. Then, you and Dr. Le will weigh your brother’s history along with your blood pressure and weight. Keep in mind that Healthline calls high cholesterol a “silent” condition that typically has no symptoms, so the test is how you’ll know.
Dr. Le has over 25 years of clinical experience, and she lists cardiovascular disease among her special interests. You can book with her at either office, on Old Lee Highway in Fairfax or Evergreen Lane in Annandale.
Schedule Your Visit at Annandale Primary Care
You’ll leave your visit with Connie Le, MD, knowing when your blood draw is, whether to fast, and when the two of you will go over your numbers. Call Annandale Primary Care at (703) 642-6633 to book your cholesterol test.