Levels of cholesterol in blood are generally diagnosed through blood tests. The blood test known as lipoprotein profile is done to check the level of cholesterol in blood. This test will helps to know the total cholesterol level in your blood, Low density lipoprotein, which is the chief cause of cholesterol deposition in arteries, the level of High density lipoprotein or good cholesterol, and Triglycerides. You cannot take food for nine to twelve hours before this test. A direct LDL test is available which helps us to check LDL levels only. This test can be done at any time even after taking the meal. A simple cholesterol test can be used to check total cholesterol and HDL. The levels of cholesterol are raised during pregnancy and drops down at the time of illness. In addition to the blood test, the doctor performs entire physical examination such as checking the heart rate, counting the heart beats, and measuring the blood pressure. Screening tests must be performed for the people having low HDL, high total cholesterol or other risk factors for heart disease. HDL greater than 60 mg/ dL is considered as protective. Triglyceride greater than 200 mg/ dL requires treatment.