What is the purpose of measuring cholesterol levels?
Measuring cholesterol levels is used to assess a person's risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and to determine whether a person should be prescribed a statin medication for treatment. Measuring cholesterol levels can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of cholesterol-lowering treatments, and as part of a general health check-up. In certain situations, such as when a person has a pre-existing condition or a high 10-year risk of coronary death or myocardial infarction, measuring cholesterol levels may not change the management, as a statin may already be indicated based on prior recommendations. However, in other situations, measuring cholesterol levels may have an impact on management, as it could affect the decision to prescribe a statin, depending on the predicted 10-year risk of coronary death or myocardial infarction.