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Cholesterol
A cholesterol blood test will measure your good and bad cholesterol which may determine if you are potentially at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Having a high Non HDL (bad) cholesterol tends not to show any symptoms.
Cholesterol Blood Test
Our body’s need cholesterol to function in a healthy manner. It is vital for the formation of cell membranes, certain hormones and vitamin D.
Cholesterol is a waxy fat like substance which is transported around our bodies by lipoproteins which are produced in our liver. There are two major lipoproteins which are high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL)
If you have too much LDL (bad cholesterol) this may lead to ill health problems such as heart disease which may cause health problems such as a a heart attack or stroke.
HDL (good cholesterol) helps to return the LDL (bad cholesterol) back to your liver and be naturally removed out of your body. Healthy levels of HDL reduces your risk of heart disease.
The impact of high cholesterol might not be felt until it is too late. There are no obvious signs that you have high cholesterol, however it can be a major factor in cardiovascular disease and could result in heart disease or a stroke. You can check your cholesterol levels with a blood test to better understand the changes you might need to make to reduce your risk of ill health from high cholesterol.
High cholesterol is often a result of an unhealthy lifestyle but it can also run in families, known as Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH).
Cholesterol Test
Most of the cholesterol in our bodies is made in the liver – that’s 80% – while the remaining 20% comes from our food and drink intake. While we need cholesterol to function properly – it helps to create hormones and new cells – more cholesterol than our bodies need can cause health issues, including cardiovascular disease.
Cholesterol uses proteins, called lipoproteins, to move through the blood. The body uses two types of lipoproteins to transport cholesterol; these are low-density lipoproteins (LDH) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Low-density lipoproteins (LDH) are often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, as increased LDH levels are connected with a greater risk of heart disease or a stroke. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol, which takes cholesterol back to the liver to be flushed out of the body. High HDL levels can actually reduce the risk of heart disease or a stroke.
Why might I have high cholesterol?
It can run in families and be down to genetics, however in most other cases, high cholesterol can be attributed to a poor diet that is high in saturated fat and alcohol usage, as well as lifestyle indicators that include smoking, carrying excess weight and a lack of regular exercise.
A blood test for high cholesterol is the only reliable way to assess your cholesterol levels as there are no other symptoms, except experiencing heart disease, such as angina or a heart attack, or a stroke.
How To Lower Cholesterol
Lowering cholesterol that is high as a result of an unhealthy diet and lifestyle is achievable. Ways to lower your cholesterol include following a diet that is low in saturated fat, exercising for 30 minutes at least five times a week, losing excess weight, smoking cessation and reducing alcohol consumption to under 14 units per week. There are certain types of medication as well which may be used to help control cholesterol.
Testing for high cholesterol
The test can be performed using a small amount of blood from a finger prick which you can do yourself.
How often should I have a cholesterol blood test?
We recommend checking your cholesterol levels annually, or if suffering with a high cholesterol and changes have been made with diet and lifestyle, then retest three months later.
Other Questions
- Regularly eating high saturated fat foods
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Family history of high cholesterol
- Inactive lifestyle
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Poor diet
- Diet lacking in fruit and vegetables
- Family history of cardiovascular disease
- Drinking excess alcohol regularly
- Having Type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
This blood test is to check on:
- Cholesterol levels
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test which needs to be taken first thing in the morning and posted on the same day on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
Collection method: Finger prick
Results available: 2-3 days after the sample has reached the laboratory
Cholesterol
Your liver makes cholesterol and can be found in many foods you eat such as dairy, meats and fish.
There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in your body. They come from foods we eat (such as dairy, meat, oils) or made by our liver. Any excess calories your body doesn’t need straight away is converted into Triglycerides and stored in your fat cells to be used when needed for energy.
LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein)
LDL is known as the bad cholesterol, as it can block up our blood vessels causing them to narrow. Sometimes a clot can form and get stuck in these narrow vessels leading to a heart attack.
Non-HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) Cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol is your total cholesterol minus your HDL. The higher the number of the Non-HDL cholesterol may be indicative that you could be at higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
HDL (High Density Lipoprotein)
HDL is known as the good cholesterol as it helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream. Higher levels of HDL are associated with lower risk of heart disease.
How it Works
1. Order a Test
Answer the Questions about why you’re taking the test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
