The Best At-Home Cholesterol Tests Of 2023 To Monitor Your Health From Home

To bust the myth: Cholesterol in itself is not bad; it's actually very good for your body and is necessary for healthy digestion, hormone production, and absorption of vitamin D—but too much cholesterol can absolutely become problematic. The best at-home cholesterol tests provide accurate results about your cholesterol levels without a visit to the doctor or a lab.

Spencer Kroll, a nationally recognized cholesterol and lipid disease expert, recommends healthy adults check their cholesterol every three to five years. "However, patients who have heart disease, diabetes, or a family history of high cholesterol should have their cholesterol checked, including a lipid profile, once a year," he adds. 

Cholesterol is a type of fatty substance, known as a lipid. It travels through your blood to help perform various jobs in your body. A lipid is a kind of substance that does not dissolve in water―this means it doesn't break down and won't be absorbed into your bloodstream. Instead, it will travel through your bloodstream to get to different parts of your body that need it.

There are two types of cholesterol1: blood cholesterol and dietary cholesterol.

Blood cholesterol is naturally produced by your liver and is essential for maintaining good health. It aids in digesting fatty foods and making hormones to help your body function. Your body can produce all the cholesterol it needs on its own.

With advancements in technology and at-home testing, there are now ways to learn more about your cholesterol levels from home. These tests require a blood sample by pricking your finger and either using on-the-spot test strips or mailing your blood sample to a lab. 

Some at-home tests come with color charts for you to match your test strip and determine how much cholesterol is in your blood. Others include an electronic meter, which works similarly to a blood glucose meter.

For these, you'll insert the test strip into the meter and it will automatically measure the cholesterol in your blood. 

Alternatively, many top brands offer laboratory-based at-home cholesterol tests, which include a mail-in blood sample kit with instructions. Result times vary depending on the company and lab your sample is sent to—some are ready within two to five days, while others take a week or more. 

At-home cholesterol tests make it easier than ever to monitor your cholesterol as recommended (every three to five years). If you have existing health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, or a family history of high cholesterol, you may want to check your cholesterol more often.

Having high cholesterol (total cholesterol) above 200 mg/dL is known as hyperlipidemia and can lead to serious health problems. Most unhealthy cholesterol comes from what we eat and drink.

Kroll says, "LDL, or 'bad cholesterol' can be lowered with soy protein, oat bran, garlic, and plant sterol extracts." 

In addition to your dietary cholesterol, there are other factors to keep in mind. Family history, age, and physical activity can all influence your cholesterol levels.

Born females tend to have lower total cholesterol levels—and after menopause, LDL levels can increase, resulting in higher total cholesterol. 

Unfortunately, there are no glaring symptoms of having high cholesterol. That being said, there are a few signs that may be indicators to look deeper into your cholesterol levels: 

Growths or lesions on the skin. If you notice any yellowing of the skin and small bumps across your body, this may be xanthomas. These are lipid deposits that appear near the surface of your skin.

Obesity or diabetes. Those who are obese or diabetic have a higher risk of high cholesterol and should be tested regularly. 

Men who experience impotence. Too much blood cholesterol can affect arteries and result in erectile dysfunction. 

At-home cholesterol tests are a great option for anyone who wants to check their cholesterol levels on their own time. These tests and kits are often available at your local pharmacy or online and can range in cost from around $50 to upward of $100 or more, depending on the brand.

Some are more comprehensive than others, so consider what markers you want to measure. 

Many at-home cholesterol tests are made with convenience in mind, prioritizing ease of use. Kits come with all the necessary tools and equipment, such as a lancet to prick your finger, and test strips.

If your test has an electronic meter, you'll insert the test strip into the device to read your results. Otherwise, many kits contain color guides to determine your cholesterol level.

It's important to follow your test instructions carefully to ensure the most accurate results.

A health care provider can give you more information regarding your test and results. Vanessa Rissetto, CEO of Culina Health and a registered dietitian, notes that there is room for error with at-home tests. "Many at-home companies will send a phlebotomist (a health care professional responsible for drawing blood) to your home in order to ensure accuracy," she says.

If you prefer assistance with administering the test for the most accuracy, an at-home cholesterol test probably isn't the right choice for you.

Cholesterol levels can change over time. As you age, oftentimes your physical activity levels change, as does your diet. These factors directly impact your cholesterol, especially if you aren't practicing heart-healthy habits.

The first (and most important) area to look at when trying to naturally lower your cholesterol is your diet. Trent Orfanos, director of integrative and functional cardiology at Case Integrative Health, recommends a Mediterranean diet with an "emphasis on fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats like olive oil, nuts, and seeds," to help lower your cholesterol levels.

"Additionally, try to avoid overly processed foods, and excessive saturated and all trans fats," he says.

To keep your cholesterol levels healthy, Orfanos suggests daily movement, such as a walk to the park or an easy yoga session. Avoid habits such as smoking, heavy alcoholic drinking, and high-stress environments.