Can I eat and drink before getting my "three highs" checked?
Disease description:
I am very obese and also getting older. I want to go to the hospital to check for the "three highs" (referring to high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol). May I ask if I can eat and drink before the examination?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Before undergoing tests related to the "three highs" (hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia), individuals being tested for hypertension can maintain their regular diet. However, testing for hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia requires strict fasting.
1. For hyperglycemia testing, especially fasting blood glucose measurement, to ensure accuracy of results, it is recommended to fast (including no water intake) for at least 12 hours before the test. This means no food or beverages should be consumed after 8 p.m. the night before the test.
2. For lipid profile testing, such as total cholesterol and triglycerides, testing is also recommended after fasting for 12 to 14 hours. Additionally, it is advised to follow a light diet for the three days prior to testing, avoiding alcohol and foods high in fat, cholesterol, or protein to ensure accurate lipid measurements.
3. For hypertension testing, unlike testing for blood glucose and lipids, individuals can eat and drink normally before blood pressure measurement, and there is no need to fast. However, it is recommended to rest quietly for about 15 minutes before the blood pressure measurement.
