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Lipid Panel: Fasting or Non-Fasting?
A lipid panel is a commonplace and routine blood test that measures the levels of different types of fats in your blood. This includes cholesterol, triglycerides, and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), all of which are important indicators of your heart health.
Traditionally, doctors ask patients to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for about 9-12 hours before testing their lipids. This is because eating can temporarily increase your triglyceride levels, which might affect the accuracy of the test. In the past, if a patient neglected to fast, they would have to return to the doctor’s office at another time to have their blood drawn then. This was inconvenient to patients, and some percentage neglected to ever return for the test. Today, with the rise of non-fasting lipid panels, it's not always necessary to ask a patient to come back. This is leading to more people being tested, which is always a good thing.
Pros and Cons for Each Test
A fasting lipid panel provides more accurate triglyceride and VLDL measurements, providing the gold standard for diagnoses. These tests can be inconvenient for patients, however, as fasting can make some feel unwell and require early morning scheduling. Additionally, they can require burdensome rescheduling if a patient doesn’t strictly adhere to the requirements of the fast.
In contrast, a non-fasting lipid panel is more convenient, especially for those with busy schedules or difficulty fasting. But recent meals may slightly elevate triglyceride and VLDL levels, impacting results even for panels specifically designed as non-fasting tests.
Fasting
Pros:
Provides a more stable and accurate measurement of triglycerides and VLDL and can help in diagnosing certain conditions.
Cons:
Can be inconvenient, especially if you have to schedule your test early in the morning or if fasting makes you feel unwell.
Non-Fasting
Pros:
More convenient because you don't have to skip meals. This is especially helpful for people with busy schedules, diabetes, or those who find fasting difficult.
Cons:
Despite advancements made in testing, recent meals can slightly affect triglyceride and VLDL levels, making these tests less accurate.
So Which One is Better?
Both fasting and non-fasting lipid panels have their advantages and can be used to assess your heart health. Recent research suggests that non-fasting lipid panels are starting to be just as reliable as fasting ones for most people. In fact, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society and the College of Family Physicians of Canada guidelines now recommend non-fasting lipid tests.
Bottom Line
Whether you fast or not, getting your lipid panel done is essential for monitoring your heart health and assessing potential risks. So which test is “better” depends on your specific preferences and circumstances, and you should ask your doctor about both. If you're participating in the Future of Medicine Heart & Kidney Health Screening, fasting is not required. However, based on your results, the Care Access clinical team may recommend fasting for a future test or suggest repeating the test if specific health concerns arise or if more detailed information is needed.
CONTRIBUTING EXPERTS
Sinikka Green, MD
Dr. Green is the Medical Director and a Principal Investigator at Care Access. She is board certified in emergency medicine.
DISCLAIMER
The information provided on Care Access is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Our products and content are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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