Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes and producing hormones. It is carried in the blood by lipoproteins, mainly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL).​

When Low:

Low cholesterol levels are uncommon but may be associated with malnutrition, liver disease, or certain genetic disorders.Symptoms can include depression, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances.​

When High:

High cholesterol levels, particularly elevated LDL (bad cholesterol), increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) is considered good cholesterol and helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Non-HDL cholesterol includes all cholesterol types considered atherogenic (promoting plaque formation), such as LDL and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). It's calculated by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol.​

When Low:

Low non-HDL cholesterol levels are generally favorable and indicate a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.​

When High:

High non-HDL cholesterol levels suggest an increased risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Management includes lifestyle modifications and possibly medications to reduce cholesterol levels.​

HCR is a ratio of total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol and is a useful indicator of heart disease risk. A lower ratio is generally better.

When Low:

Indicates a favourable balance of good to total cholesterol and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

When High:

Suggests a higher risk of heart problems, especially if HDL is low and total cholesterol is high.

LDL, known as "bad" cholesterol, carries cholesterol to tissues, including the arteries. Elevated LDL levels can lead to plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease.​

When Low:

Low LDL levels are typically considered beneficial and are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease. However, extremely low levels may be linked to certain health issues, though this is less common.​

When High:

High LDL levels are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. Lifestyle changes and medications, such as statins, are often recommended to lower LDL levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.​

Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood, used for energy. After eating, the body converts excess calories into triglycerides, storing them in fat cells.​

When Low:

Low triglyceride levels are usually not a concern and may indicate a healthy metabolism. However, extremely low levels can be associated with malnutrition or certain medical conditions.​

When High:

High triglyceride levels can increase the risk of heart disease and pancreatitis. They are often associated with obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are key to lowering triglyceride levels.​

HDL, often referred to as "good" cholesterol, helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, transporting it to the liver for excretion. Higher levels of HDL are associated with a lower risk of heart disease.​

When Low:

Low HDL levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. While low HDL doesn't typically cause symptoms on its own, it is a significant risk factor for atherosclerosis, where arteries become narrowed due to plaque buildup. Regular monitoring and lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity and dietary adjustments, can help raise HDL levels.

When High:

High HDL levels are generally protective against heart disease. However, extremely high levels may be associated with other health issues, and the benefits of very high HDL levels are still being studied.​

CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Measuring CRP levels helps detect acute and chronic inflammatory conditions and assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases.​

When Low:

Low CRP levels are normal and indicate the absence of significant inflammation in the body.​

When High:

Elevated CRP levels suggest the presence of inflammation due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or chronic conditions like heart disease. High-sensitivity CRP tests can help evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events. Persistent elevation warrants further investigation to identify and manage the underlying cause. ​

The HbA1c test measures the average blood glucose levels over the past two to three months. It reflects how much glucose is attached to haemoglobin in red blood cells. This test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.​

When Low

A low HbA1c level may indicate episodes of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), which can cause symptoms like dizziness, sweating, and confusion. It may be a sign of overly aggressive diabetes treatment or other health conditions affecting blood sugar levels.​

When High

A high HbA1c level suggests poor blood sugar control, indicating a higher risk of diabetes-related complications such as nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular issues.