Cholesterol / lipid blood test for chronic heart disease

[bikerider00]

I had an MI in January. Previously when I had my post MI/rehab period cholesterol blood tests via the surgery, they were only going to do a simple single value test. I had to push hard to have it as a fasting full lipid test, which is what the hospital team had requested.

I am due another set of blood tests at my GP surgery in the next few weeks. Again they are saying that this won't be fasting/full lipid. Which is not what I understood should be done for someone in my position.

What are others experience ? Should I be having full lipid (I can't understand why they wouldn't do that, other than cost) and if so how do I pressure them in to it ?

[Happyrosie]

until a few years ago the lipid test was always a “fasting” one, but things have changed. The best person to advise why that might be so is the pharmacist attached to your doctor’s group of surgeries. See the practice leaflet online or phone the do tor’s receptionist to ascertain how to speak to them.

[bikerider00 in reply to Happyrosie]

OK, thanks. It was less the fasting part and more the full lipid breakdown I am a bit concerned about. I'll ask but I suspect I an going to get a TCL number only

[RF260]

Had my MI in April, recently had first bloods since then, again was advisedthat no need for fasting , thankfully total, good and bad all now within acceptable range , have lost a stone and take just 5mg Rosuvastatin a day.

[Ewloe]

I get full lipid test and I’ve never even had high cholesterol. I fast even though they never mention too. Does NICE guidance have anything you can use in your agreement with them that’s helpful? I’ve not looked recently

[Eric_]

Hi. It sounds like a routine blood test which is the expected cheaper option, although it will probably meet the initial level of care tgey are paid for. Personally I would fast overnight, tell them you have done that and insist they do full bloods. Lipids, thyroid and liver tests. That way you can also check your ldl,hdl,triglicerides alt, cgt and ast levels. These are amoung the basic tests for cardiac review. There are many more of course. I do them twice a year and monitor my progress thereby keeping myself aware of changes and how I can make more informed choices on diet, exercise and mortality issues etc. Good luck 🙂

[bikerider00 in reply to Eric_]

Thanks. They are also doing, I believe, they are doing certainly liver tests at the same time. I neglected to mention that bit. I'll ask about full lipid/what it is they would actually measure. I did that last time (fasted anyway and told them "I am meant to have ....." and got it, but that was the first post MI.