Lower CholesterolLower Cholesterol – How Quickly Will a Cheeseburger Impact My Cholesterol Labs
A subscriber to The Heart of Health submitted the following question.
Question: “Hello ma’am, I need some information. My cholesterol level is finally down to a reasonable level, but do you know how sensitive are cholesterol readings? I ask because I’m worried if I eat a cheeseburger or a KFC meal that my cholesterol level will sky rocket back up to over 200.”
Answer: If you revert back to unhealthy fast food on a regular basis your cholesterol levels will elevate quickly.
However, if you follow a heart healthy diet and occasionally treat yourself to a cheeseburger or other high fat/high cholesterol meal your cholesterol levels for the long-term will not be negatively impacted.
That being said it is important to discuss the need to fast prior to lab work with your physician. If you have a high fat/high cholesterol meal within 12-24 hours prior to your cholesterol lab work, the results may be skewed due to your diet choices.
All the best,
Lisa Nelson, RD
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