Tips for the Cholesterol Screening
Generally speaking, the cheapest Life Insurance goes to people who are healthy. Part of proving that you are healthy is having good cholesterol numbers, so performing well on the life insurance cholesterol test is important. In fact, a good showing on the cholesterol screening can be the difference between being able to get the lowest life insurance rates and having to pay more for life insurance rates.
Cholesterol can fluctuate due to many factors. If your numbers are temporarily high, it can negatively impact your life insurance rates. Here are ways to help get accurate test results, and ideally the most affordable life insurance rates!
Tip 1: Follow Fasting Instructions
Many test instructions say to fast for nine to 12 hours. Water is fine, but nothing else. Some foods and beverages can spike cholesterol levels. Earning affordable life insurance could be as simple as fasting!
Tip 2: Ask About Medications
Some medications can raise cholesterol (and in the process, raise life insurance rates). Common medications include some antidepressants, beta blockers, birth control pills, corticosteroids, some diuretics and estrogen. Ask your doctor if you should stop taking any medications prior to the test. (Never stop medications without consulting your physician.)
Tip 3: Inform the Examiner of Illness
Illness such as flu and fevers can dramatically impact lipoprotein levels (which the cholesterol test measures). Tell the examiner if you've been sick recently. You might want to reschedule your exam, or have a second test done if your cholesterol is high.
Tip 4: Sit Quietly
Sit quietly for at least five minutes before the cholesterol test, and remaining seated during it.
Tip 5: Avoid Alcohol for at Least 24 Hours
Alcohol can raise cholesterol levels. The Harvard Medical School recommends avoiding alcohol for 24 hours before the test, and ideally several days before.
Tip 6: Maintain a Steady Diet and Weight for Two Weeks
Cholesterol can be impacted by dieting and by eating excessive calories, saturated fat and foods with cholesterol. Excess alcohol can raise levels, too. Try to schedule the test after maintaining a steady diet and weight for two weeks.
Tip 7: Advise the Examiner About Pregnancy
It's common for cholesterol to temporarily elevate during pregnancy. If you are or might be pregnant, or recently had a baby, inform the medical examiner. It can take up to a year to return to pre-pregnancy numbers.
Affordable Life Insurance Starts With Good Health!
Affordable life insurance can be as simple as accurate tests. Many people don't realize they have some control in this. A few steps can mean a lifetime of savings in cheap life insurance.
If you feel your cholesterol test numbers are inaccurate, or have improved since your last test, talk to an agent. It's possible to lower life insurance rates. The main thing is to get covered. You can always review term insurance and see if you qualify for more affordable life insurance.