Cholesterol & lipid blood tests, at home

Yes — 9 to 12 hours of fasting is standard. Water is fine. Triglycerides are particularly sensitive to recent meals, so a fasted sample gives a much more accurate cardiovascular risk picture. Book a morning slot to make fasting easier.

For most adults: under 100 mg/dL. For people with diabetes or known heart disease: under 70 mg/dL. The lower, the better. Indian guidelines are stricter than Western ones because of the higher genetic cardiac risk in South Asians.

When standard LDL doesn't match your overall risk picture — for example, normal LDL but family history of heart attacks. Apo-B counts the actual particles causing artery damage. hsCRP catches the inflammation that precipitates heart attacks. Discuss with a clinician if you fit this profile.

Mildly elevated cholesterol often responds well to diet (less saturated fat, more fibre), 150+ min of weekly aerobic exercise, weight loss and quitting smoking. Familial hypercholesterolemia and very high readings typically need statin therapy.

Yes — triglycerides above 200 mg/dL increase pancreatitis and metabolic syndrome risk, even with normal LDL. Common drivers are alcohol, refined carbs, sugary drinks and uncontrolled diabetes. Diet and exercise often bring them down fast.