Yes, you should have regular cholesterol checks if you have lupus.

High cholesterol raises your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. People with lupus already have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is true even if they don’t have high cholesterol. By getting a cholesterol test, your doctor can help you keep your risk as low as possible.

For people with no other health problems, experts recommend having a cholesterol test every 4-6 years. If you have lupus, you should get tested more often. How often will depend on your health history and other risks, like if you smoke, are obese, or have a family history of heart problems. Talk with your doctor about how often you should be getting a cholesterol test.

 

Lupus and cholesterol are hard on your heart – getting tested can help in part!