Your cholesterol numbers will not affect your medical certification for your CDL. But high cholesterol will affect your overall health and may exacerbate other conditions.
Tell your doctor that you are a professional driver before discussing lifestyle changes and medications to treat high cholesterol.
Questions to ask your doctor:
1.
Do I have high cholesterol?
2.
What is my LDL (bad) cholesterol?
3.
What is my HDL (good) cholesterol?
4.
How will my cholesterol numbers affect my driving?
5.
What are the right total and LDL cholesterol goals for me?
6.
Is my lifestyle as a driver affecting my high cholesterol? How can I make lifestyle changes that will fit with my job—being on the road with limited time for exercise and limited food options—and help reduce my high cholesterol?
7.
Is it appropriate for me to add a cholesterol-lowering medication to my treatment plan?
8.
What medication (if any) is appropriate for me and won't conflict with my job a professional driver?
Fasting before the test
In order to get an accurate cholesterol reading, you are advised not to eat or drink for 9 to 12 hours before the test. You may want to schedule your cholesterol test for early morning.
