Medical Tests Every Woman Should Have

Lipid Profile

Why you need it: One of the most effective ways to track your heart-disease risk is to check your cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol not only raises your odds of a heart attack or stroke but also has been linked to gallbladder disease.

When and how often: Schedule this test beginning at age 20, regardless of whether you have a family or personal history of heart problems. If your results are normal, get checked at least every

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Lipid Profile

Why you need it: One of the most effective ways to track your heart-disease risk is to check your cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol not only raises your odds of a heart attack or stroke but also has been linked to gallbladder disease.

When and how often: Schedule this test beginning at age 20, regardless of whether you have a family or personal history of heart problems. If your results are normal, get checked at least every five years until you reach age 45. If you are 45 or older, have a family history of heart disease, or have a total cholesterol level of over 200, get an annual screening.

What to expect: A comprehensive lipoprotein profile measures the total cholesterol in your blood, including "bad" LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, "good" HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol, and triglycerides. If you're at risk for heart disease, some doctors may test your apoB levels, a measure of fat particles in the blood.

What the results mean: If your total cholesterol is over 200, your HDL is less than 40, or your LDL is over 130 (or over 100 if you're at high risk), your doctor may recommend diet changes, increased exercise, and weight loss to improve your cholesterol profile. Depending on your other risk factors, you may be prescribed cholesterol medication, such as Lipitor. less