Fasting lipid and glucose sampling

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hemant Arora (India) I am 33 years old (hight 5,5" and 73 kgs) and I am working for a BPO. I hardly do any exercise and almost no physical labor, as I am doing desk job. From last year or two, I feel I am facing issues in running, walking and climbing stairs as I started losing breath and I also gain some weight in this duration. Several times I randomly check my sugar and found it was normal. I might think this is due to my increased cholesterol. Now I am planning to get my cholesterol check test done. Please advice what tests I will get it done, which not only clear my doubt but shows me clear picture of my heart. Thanks in advance.

Dear Hemant: For an accurate measure of blood sugar and blood cholesterol levels, you must have fasted for approximately eight hours (i.e. overnight fast). A blood sample is then drawn usually first thing in the morning, to obtain a fasting glucose level and a fasting lipid profile. The lipid profile will include; total cholesterol levels, LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, HDL (good) cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels and is a simple blood test that can be arranged by your family doctor. I would also advise attending your physician for a detailed history of your symptoms and clinical examination. He may perform a blood pressure check, a resting ECG (electrical trace of the heart), and refer you for a Chest x-ray and an exercise stress test to determine the presence of any underlying coronary artery disease.