When to Get a Lipid Profile Test Done?

High cholesterol usually has no symptoms. That is why the right cholesterol test schedule matters more than how you feel on a given day. This guide explains when to get lipid profile testing, how often to repeat it, and the best lipid profile timing in special situations like pregnancy, acute illness, and after starting medicine.

Quick answer: How often should you check your cholesterol?

For generally healthy adults, most public health bodies suggest checking every four to six years, then more often if risks or results change. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) summarizes it this way: most healthy adults need testing every 4 to 6 years, while people with heart disease, diabetes, or a strong family history need checks more frequently. Children should be screened once between the ages of 9 and 11 and again between 17 and 21.

Mayo Clinic guidance is similar, noting many adults repeat screening every 4 to 6 years, with shorter intervals if blood pressure, diabetes, or family history raise risk.

Bottom line: If you are low risk and your last report was normal, a 4–6 year interval works. If you have risk factors or prior abnormal results, plan for earlier follow-up.

First test and baseline

If you have never had a lipid profile test, get a baseline in early adulthood, then follow the intervals above. Pediatric and adolescent screening still matters because familial cholesterol disorders often show up early; the NHLBI and AAP recommend universal screening at 9–11 years and again at 17–21 years.

After you start or change cholesterol medicine

When treatment begins, you need a faster cholesterol test schedule to see if the plan is working. The 2018 ACC/AHA guideline recommends repeating a lipid panel 4 to 12 weeks after starting or adjusting therapy, then every 3 to 12 months to monitor response and adherence.

If triglycerides remain elevated or your LDL reduction is below target, your clinician may adjust the dose or add a second medicine and recheck again after 4–12 weeks.

Ideal time for lipid profile testing: fasting or nonfasting?

Most people do not need to fast. Large consensus statements and cardiology guidelines support nonfasting lipid panels for routine risk assessment because results are similar and more convenient. However, if triglycerides are very high on a nonfasting sample, a fasting repeat is advised to get an accurate number.

A practical way to think about the ideal time for lipid profile testing:

• Routine screening: Nonfasting is fine.
• Triglycerides elevated on a nonfasting test (for example, ≥175–200 mg/dL): Repeat fasting.
• Very high triglycerides (for example, ≥400–500 mg/dL): Fasting panel is preferred to guide treatment.

Time of day has a small effect compared with what and when you last ate. If your schedule makes mornings difficult, an afternoon nonfasting panel is acceptable for most people.

Special life stages and situations

Pregnancy and the months after delivery

Cholesterol and triglycerides rise naturally during pregnancy. Many experts suggest waiting at least 6 to 12 weeks postpartum before using results to guide long-term care, since levels tend to return toward baseline in that window. Lipid screening once in the first postpartum year, ideally after 12 weeks, is reasonable, especially if pregnancy complications occurred.

Children and teens

As noted above, universal screening is recommended once at 9–11 years and again at 17–21 years, with earlier and more frequent testing for those at higher risk.

After an acute coronary event

During a heart attack or soon after, lipids can shift. Guidelines emphasize checking a lipid panel shortly after admission and then rechecking 4–6 weeks later to confirm goals on therapy.

During other acute illnesses or after surgery

Illness and major surgery can temporarily lower or raise lipids. If you were unwell or had surgery recently, discuss timing; many clinicians wait several weeks for a stable baseline before making treatment decisions. (Practice patterns vary; your doctor will personalize timing based on recovery and medications.)

Lipid profile frequency recommendations by risk group

• Low-risk adults with normal results: Every 4–6 years.
• Adults with risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, strong family history): Every 1–2 years, sometimes sooner.
• On statins or other lipid-lowering therapy: 4–12 weeks after start or dose change, then every 3–12 months.
• Children and adolescents: Once at 9–11, again at 17–21 years; more often if high risk.
• Postpartum: Consider a check ≥6–12 weeks after delivery; earlier if familial lipid disorders are suspected.

These frameworks answer the common question, when should you get a lipid profile test, and help set a realistic cholesterol test schedule.

Practical preparation tips

• If fasting is requested: Fast 8–12 hours, but drink water. Avoid alcohol the day before because it can spike triglycerides.
• List medications and supplements: Some drugs, like steroids, can raise lipids.
• Keep it consistent: Try to test at a similar time of day and under similar circumstances when comparing year to year.
• After starting treatment: Book your follow-up test when you leave the clinic to hit the 4–12 week window.

What if your numbers are borderline?

Nonfasting results that show high triglycerides or unexpected changes often get a fasting repeat. Clinicians also look at the overall risk picture, not just one number. That is why how often should you check your cholesterol depends on the whole story: age, blood pressure, smoking, blood sugar, family history, and any new medicines.

Key takeaways

• For most low-risk adults, a lipid profile frequency of every 4–6 years is enough; increase the frequency if risks or results change.
• Nonfasting testing works for routine screening; choose fasting if triglycerides are high or your clinician requests it.
• After starting or changing therapy, recheck lipids in 4–12 weeks, then every 3–12 months.
• Special timing applies in pregnancy and postpartum, after acute coronary events, and during recent illness or surgery.

If you are building a preventive care plan, include a lipid profile test at the intervals above and review results with your clinician so your schedule stays tailored to your risk.