How to Avoid Coffee for Cholesterol Test

If your physician feels your cholesterol levels may be too high, she will order a cholesterol test. This lab test may reveal the amounts of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides in your bloodstream. To achieve accurate results, you must take certain precautions before your test, including abstention from coffee.

Instructions

• 1

  Do not eat or drink anything, including coffee, for about 9 to 12 hours prior to your blood test. You may drink water, but anything else will make your results less conclusive.

• 2

  Schedule your cholesterol test carefully. If you normally have a cup of coffee early in the morning (say, 7:00 a.m.), schedule your test for 7 p.m. or later. That way, you can maintain your coffee regimen while still avoiding coffee for 12 hours before the test.

• 3

  If you feel intense cravings for coffee, as many people do, do something to take your mind off of the temporary withdrawal. Exercise, do a crossword puzzle or go for a drive. Before you know it, it will be time for your cholesterol test. After your test, go get your favorite brew---you've earned it.