How often do I need to have my cholesterol checked?

Your cholesterol level should be checked three months after a heart attack or bypass graft surgery. If it is checked before this it can give a false reading. The test needs to be taken after you have not eaten or drunk anything for at least six hours. If your cholesterol is within normal limits, it should be checked every year. If your cholesterol is raised, it will need checking more frequently (every three to six months) until your level is within the normal range.

Everyone who has had a heart attack or bypass graft surgery will need to be on cholesterol medication for the rest of their life (even when their cholesterol levels are within normal limits).