It would seem that the latter test would be more accurate. A fasting sample is preferable. The triglyceride level can get thrown off when people eat, especially when they eat fatty foods, so a fasting sample is more accurate. I read that 85 percent of all heart attack deaths in women occur after age 65. Women have lower rates of heart disease before menopause, then studies show that their rates of heart disease accelerate.
Studies show that estrogen replacement therapy has favorable effects on lipids.
But the effect of HRT on heart disease risk needs further study. This surprised the researchers so they stopped the study. One theory to explain this result is that since HRT can make the blood more sticky. The women on this therapy had more blood clots and thus suffered more hearts attacks, so much more research is needed to sort this out. My husband and I love to eat liver and onions.