This test measures all the various types of cholesterol in your blood.For example HDL LDL and non HDL
Customize TestCholesterol Check Test helps you understand your heart health by measuring the different types of cholesterol in your blood. Many people search for information about cholesterol levels, serum cholesterol, or LDL cholesterol because these markers play a major role in overall cardiovascular wellness. When your body carries more cholesterol than it needs, it can begin to build up inside your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease. This simple test gives you the essential information needed to monitor and improve longterm heart health.
Cholesterol itself is not bad. Your body uses it to build cells and produce hormones. Problems occur only when levels rise too high or when LDL cholesterol becomes dominant. A test helps you see where you stand and whether lifestyle changes or treatment may support better health.
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as bad cholesterol because it can accumulate on artery walls. Over time this buildup hardens and narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow freely. High blood cholesterol, especially when LDL levels rise, can increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Understanding the causes of high cholesterol helps you take control of your health early.
HDL cholesterol is known as good cholesterol. It supports the removal of excess LDL from the bloodstream by transporting it to the liver. Higher HDL levels offer protective benefits, which is why recommended cholesterol levels include low LDL and high HDL.
If you find yourself wondering things like my cholesterol is 7.1 is that high or what normal LDL cholesterol levels look like, this test provides a clear answer based on your personal health profile.
Monitoring cholesterol helps you understand your longterm cardiovascular health. High cholesterol levels often develop without symptoms, so many people do not realise they have an issue until it becomes serious. Regular testing allows you to detect changes early and take simple steps to protect your heart.
A cholesterol test helps you evaluate
• LDL cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol
• total cholesterol
• non HDL cholesterol
• triglycerides
These values work together to show your overall heart health. Many healthcare guidelines include a cholesterol chart to help compare your results with recommended cholesterol levels.
Several factors contribute to rising cholesterol levels. Understanding the causes of cholesterol problems helps you make positive lifestyle choices.
Common causes of high cholesterol include
• diets high in saturated fat or cholesterol raising foods
• genetics and family history
• limited physical activity
• being overweight
• smoking
• certain health conditions
• aging
Food that causes high cholesterol often includes fried foods, processed meats, full fat dairy and baked goods high in trans fat. Balanced eating combined with routine testing can help you track progress.
Some foods support healthier levels. Many people ask about the best nuts for high cholesterol. Options such as almonds, walnuts and pistachios may help maintain healthier LDL levels when eaten as part of a balanced diet.
Read more on healthline to understand high cholesterol
Cholesterol levels for women can change throughout life due to hormones, age and lifestyle factors. After menopause, LDL may rise because estrogen naturally supports healthy cholesterol balance. A Cholesterol Blood Test helps identify these changes early so women can focus on prevention and longterm wellbeing.
Non HDL cholesterol includes all forms of cholesterol considered harmful when levels rise. It is calculated by subtracting HDL from your total cholesterol. Many health experts prefer this measurement because it offers a more complete picture of risk. Understanding normal non HDL cholesterol levels can help you evaluate whether lifestyle adjustments are needed.
This test is suitable for almost everyone. It works especially well for individuals who
• want to monitor cardiovascular health
• have a family history of heart disease
• experience high blood pressure
• are overweight or inactive
• have diabetes or prediabetes
• are concerned about high cholesterol levels
• want guidance on their diet or lifestyle
Even if you feel healthy, routine testing helps you stay informed and make preventive changes before issues develop.
Once your results are ready, a healthcare professional reviews your cholesterol levels and explains what each marker means. They assess whether your LDL cholesterol or other values fall within recommended cholesterol levels for your age and health profile.
You may receive personalised guidance such as
• diet adjustments
• exercise recommendations
• information about cholesterol raising foods to avoid
• suggestions for hearthealthy foods
• lifestyle changes to support better cholesterol levels
If needed, your doctor may explore medical treatments to help lower LDL cholesterol and reduce longterm cardiovascular risk. The goal is always to create a plan that improves heart health safely and effectively.
Small, consistent changes support healthy cholesterol levels. Many people benefit from
• increasing daily activity
• reducing saturated fats
• adding more fruits and vegetables
• including more fiber
• choosing lean proteins
• limiting processed foods
• enjoying nuts and seeds in moderation
These steps help maintain normal LDL cholesterol levels and support healthy circulation.
Tracking your progress over time also helps you understand how lifestyle habits influence serum cholesterol. A cholesterol test gives you the information needed to build healthier routines with confidence.
A Cholesterol Blood Test empowers you to understand your heart health clearly. When you know your numbers you gain control over your wellbeing and can make decisions that improve your longterm quality of life. Whether you want preventive insight or need to monitor existing conditions this test provides valuable information.
If you are interested in understanding blood sugar trends alongside cholesterol, explore the benefits of our HbA1c Test for a complete picture of metabolic health.
It measures LDL HDL total cholesterol triglycerides and non HDL cholesterol to assess heart health.
Diet genetics inactivity smoking and certain medical conditions contribute to high cholesterol levels.
A reading of 7.1 mmol L is higher than recommended for most adults. A healthcare provider can interpret this based on your full profile.
Healthy LDL levels depend on age and risk factors but lower levels generally support better heart health.
Foods high in trans fat saturated fat and processed ingredients can raise cholesterol.
Nuts such as walnuts almonds and pistachios may support healthier cholesterol levels when eaten in moderation.
Yes hormones and aging can influence cholesterol levels for women especially after menopause.
Most adults should test at least once every year or more often if recommended by a doctor.
Check out our Health optimisation blood test for screening health related issues
Your kit includes a pre-addressed envelope for Royal Mail Tracked 24 return postage. If you’re unsure about service reliability in your area, you may choose to upgrade to a guaranteed next-day delivery.
Your blood sample will be tested at our state-of-the-art laboratory in Lincolnshire. The lab team ensures accurate and fast processing, with results available the same day your sample is tested.
Once your results are ready, they will be uploaded to your personalized platform. We will provide insights on your cholesterol levels and guide you on whether a consultation with a doctor is recommended.
Triglycerides are form of dietary fat that circulate in the blood. After eating your body will convert excess calories into triglycerides which are then carried to cells to be stored as fat. The triglycerides are released to be used as energy.
Raised levels of triglycerides are a potential risk factor for peripheral vascular disease which effects the blood vessels which supply your arms and legs as well as organs below the stomach as well as microvascular disease, affecting the tiny blood vessels around the heart.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance which is made in the body by the liver but is also found in some foods. It plays a vital role in how every cell works and is also needed to make Vitamin D, some hormones and bile for digestion. However, too much cholesterol in the blood can increase your risk of getting heart and circulatory diseases.
Cholesterol is made up of both good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol so it is important to investigate a raised cholesterol result to determine the cause. High levels of HDL cholesterol can cause a raised cholesterol result but may actually be protective against heart disease.
High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol removes cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it to the liver where it is broken down and removed from the body in bile. High density lipoprotein is a good cholesterol.
Higher levels are believed to be protective against heart disease, while low levels are associated with increased risk of a heart attack.
Low density lipoprotein (LDL) transports cholesterol, triglycerides and other fats to various tissues throughout the body. Too much low density lipoprotein cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol can cause fatty deposits to accumulate on artery walls, which can potentially lead to a heart disease and artherosclerosis.
Measuring your non-HDL cholesterol levels gives a better assessment of the risk for heart disease than measuring only LDL. This is especially true if you have high triglycerides. Your non-HDL cholesterol level is found by subtracting your HDL cholesterol from your total cholesterol.
HDL % of total cholesterol is more indicative of your risk of cardiovascular disease thean total cholesterol alone.
A result below 20% indicates a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, while one above 20% is an indication of a lower than average risk.