Screening: No need to fast before lipid level tests

摘要

Measuring serum lipid levels in the nonfasted state is as good, if not better, than obtaining measurements in the fasted state, according to findings of a new study. Currently measurement of blood lipid levels is recommended only after a >8 h fast. However, this requirement is inconvenient for patients and could lead to reduced adherence to testing schedules. Several studies have suggested that fasting and nonfasting lipid levels are equally indicative of coronary-heart-disease and stroke risks, and that nonfasting lipid levels can be even better predictors of cardiac events than fasting lipid levels.