Grundy County Health Department will offer free cholesterol, or lipid panel, screenings for county residents on Thursday, April 23. Screenings will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. in the GCHD Annex, 1307 E. 17th St. in Trenton. No appointment is required.

Health officials said routine screening is important because high cholesterol often does not cause noticeable symptoms, even when it is affecting a person’s health.

“The only way to know whether you have high cholesterol is to get your cholesterol checked,” Elizabeth Gibson, GCHD administrator, said.

According to health department officials, untreated high cholesterol and elevated triglycerides can contribute to serious conditions such as heart disease, heart attack and stroke. Excess fats in the blood can lead to plaque build-up in the arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of life-threatening complications. High triglyceride levels are also linked to pancreatitis and may play a role in metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions associated with a higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

A lipid profile test measures several indicators tied to heart health, including total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

The event is being offered as part of Public Health Month and is intended to encourage preventive care and early detection. Health officials said regular testing can help identify concerns before symptoms develop, allowing patients to make lifestyle changes or begin treatment earlier.

Fasting is required before the test, although drinking water is encouraged. Testing will be available for adults only.

To save time at the event, attendees may complete a consent form in advance by visiting the Grundy County Health Department website at grundycountyhealth.org. For more information, call the health department at 660-359-4196.