This panel measures different types of cholesterol and lipids in your blood, including total cholesterol, LDL (bad), Non-HDL (atherogenic particles), HDL (good), and triglycerides. These values help estimate your risk for cardiovascular disease and guide preventive or therapeutic strategies.

Yes. Drinking plain water is not only allowed but encouraged to make the blood draw easier and more comfortable.

Eating before the test can raise triglyceride levels and slightly change LDL calculations, which is why fasting may be advised in some cases.

This test measures key lipids in your blood, including:

1. Total cholesterol
2. LDL (“bad” cholesterol)
3. Non-HDL cholesterol
4. Triglycerides
5. Total cholesterol : HDL ratio

From these results, you can understand:

1. Your risk of cardiovascular disease
2. Whether you may need lifestyle changes
3. Whether further medical evaluation is advisable
4. How well diet, exercise, or medication is working

Cholesterol levels are one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for heart disease.

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in your blood. Your body needs cholesterol to:

1. Build cells
2. Produce hormones
3. Make vitamin D
4. Support digestion

However, too much circulating cholesterol (especially LDL) can lead to plaque build-up inside arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.

High cholesterol can be caused by:

1. Diet high in saturated or trans fats
2. Obesity or excess body weight
3. Physical inactivity
4. Smoking
5. Excess alcohol consumption
6. Type 2 diabetes
7. Hypothyroidism
8. Genetics (familial hypercholesterolaemia)

In many people, it develops silently over time without symptoms.

High LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque accumulation in arteries. Over time this may cause:

1. Coronary artery disease
2. Angina
3. Heart attack
4. Stroke
5. Peripheral artery disease

High triglycerides are also linked with increased cardiovascular risk and, at very high levels, pancreatitis.

High cholesterol typically has no symptoms, which is why testing is important.

Yes, in many cases cholesterol can be reduced through:

1. Improving diet (reducing saturated fats, increasing fibre)
2. Regular physical activity
3. Weight management
4. Smoking cessation
5. Limiting alcohol

In some cases, medication such as statins may be recommended by a healthcare professional.

Lifestyle changes alone can significantly lower LDL cholesterol in many individuals.

General reference ranges for adults:

1. Total cholesterol: below 5 mmol/L (UK guidance)
2. LDL cholesterol: below 3 mmol/L (lower targets for higher-risk individuals)
3. Non-HDL cholesterol: below 4 mmol/L
4. Triglycerides: below 1.7 mmol/L (fasting reference)

Optimal levels vary depending on age, sex, and overall cardiovascular risk profile. Always interpret results in context.

You can get a cholesterol blood test:

1. Through your GP or NHS health check
2. At private clinics
3. Via laboratory services
4. Using a validated at-home cholesterol test kit

Our advanced cholesterol and lipid profile check is processed by UKAS accredited laboratories with the highest standards.

An at-home cholesterol test typically involves:

1. A finger-prick or venous blood sample
2. Collection using a capillary tube or vacutainer tube.
3. Sending the sample to an accredited laboratory
4. Results are reviewed and provided digitally, often with guidance or interpretation.

Home testing is suitable for routine screening and monitoring but does not replace medical assessment where symptoms or high risk factors exist.

“Bad cholesterol” refers to LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein).

1. In laboratory lipid panels, LDL is typically:
2. Directly measured, or
3. Calculated using validated formulas based on total cholesterol, HDL, and triglycerides

Non-HDL cholesterol is also calculated and provides an additional measure of atherogenic (artery-clogging) particles.

Cholesterol levels differ by age and sex.

1. Before menopause, women often have higher HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels than men, which may offer some protection.
2. After menopause, LDL levels in women may rise.
3. Men tend to develop cardiovascular disease earlier than women on average.

However, individual risk varies widely and depends on lifestyle, genetics, and overall health, not sex alone.

Non-HDL cholesterol = Total Cholesterol − HDL Cholesterol

It represents all the “bad” or atherogenic cholesterol particles in your blood.

In simple terms, it’s everything that can contribute to plaque build-up in your arteries.