Fasting for Lipid tests - Not that important?

Do Lipid Blood Tests need to be Fasting?

Most physicians recommend that you fast for 12 hours or so before checking your cholesterol or lipids. But is this absolutely necessary?

Researchers compared the LDL and HDL cholesterol levels as well as the predictive values of these in patients fasting and non-fasting and found there was little difference. We know that triglyceride levels are very sensitive to eating, but it seems that triglyceride lowering and levels are not useful in predicting or preventing heart disease.

Because certain foods can lead to high non-fasting sugar and triglyceride levels which can lead to repeat testing, you should try to avoid eating for at least 4 hours before a blood test, and avoid fatty foods the day prior.