This test measures all the various types of cholesterol in your blood.For example HDL LDL and non HDL
Customize TestA Cholesterol Check Test is a laboratory blood test that evaluates fats in your blood that directly affect heart and blood vessel health. Cholesterol plays a vital role in cell structure hormone production and digestion. However when cholesterol levels rise above healthy limits they begin to accumulate inside artery walls. This buildup restricts blood flow and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease over time.
Most people with high cholesterol feel completely normal. Symptoms often appear only after significant damage has occurred. A cholesterol panel blood test makes these hidden risks visible and allows early action to protect long term heart health. Regular testing supports prevention rather than emergency treatment later in life.
The Cholesterol Check Test is also called a lipid test or blood work for lipid panel. It measures several cholesterol and fat markers together to give a complete cardiovascular risk profile.
This test evaluates:
• Total serum cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol often called bad cholesterol
• HDL cholesterol known as good cholesterol
• Triglycerides in serum
• Non HDL cholesterol which includes all harmful cholesterol particles
• Cholesterol to HDL ratio
Looking at these values together allows accurate assessment of artery health and future risk of coronary artery disease treatment needs.
Cholesterol travels in the bloodstream attached to lipoproteins. These particles determine whether cholesterol protects or harms your heart.
LDL cholesterol transports cholesterol from the liver to tissues. When LDL remains high it deposits cholesterol in artery walls. This process leads to plaque formation and increases the risk of ischemic heart disease acute coronary syndrome and myocardial infarction.
HDL cholesterol removes excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and returns it to the liver for disposal. Higher HDL levels reduce plaque buildup and lower cardiovascular disease cause related risk.
Maintaining balance between LDL and HDL is essential for healthy arteries.
Read more on healthline to understand high cholesterol
Triglycerides are fats that store unused energy. Blood work triglycerides levels rise when calorie intake exceeds energy use especially from sugar and refined carbohydrates.
High triglycerides increase cardiovascular disease risk particularly when combined with high LDL or low HDL. Elevated triglycerides often appear alongside insulin resistance metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Knowing triglycerides normal range by age helps guide dietary and lifestyle changes.
Non HDL cholesterol represents all cholesterol particles that contribute to artery plaque formation. It includes LDL and other remnants.
Many clinicians prefer non HDL cholesterol because it reflects total atherogenic burden. The normal level of non HDL cholesterol is lower for people with multiple risk factors.
This marker is especially useful when triglycerides are elevated and provides a clearer picture of overall cardiovascular risk.
High cholesterol progresses silently. Many people discover abnormal levels only after experiencing heart pain that comes and goes or more serious events like acute myocardial infarction.
Regular Cholesterol Check Test helps:
• Detect cardiovascular disease symptoms early
• Prevent coronary artery disease progression
• Reduce risk of heart arrhythmia treatments later
• Lower chances of congestive heart failure
• Identify cardiovascular disease cause factors
Early intervention with Cholesterol Check Test significantly lowers the risk of left ventricular heart failure and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
The Cholesterol Check Test is suitable for adults of all ages.
This Cholesterol Check Test is especially recommended for people who:
• Have a family history of cardiovascular disease
• Experience heart problem symptoms in females such as fatigue or chest discomfort
• Have diabetes prediabetes or high blood pressure
• Are overweight or physically inactive
• Smoke or previously smoked
• Experience low pulse high blood pressure
• Want preventive screening
Women benefit greatly from routine testing because heart failure symptoms in women often differ from men.
Hormonal changes affect cholesterol levels for women. Estrogen supports favorable cholesterol balance during reproductive years. After menopause LDL often rises while HDL may decline.
This shift increases the risk of coronary artery disease symptoms and myocardial infarction symptoms female populations experience later in life.
Routine monitoring allows women to adjust lifestyle habits early and avoid long term complications.
High cholesterol itself causes no direct symptoms. However prolonged elevation contributes to serious heart conditions.
Symptoms that may develop over time include:
• Chest pressure or causes of chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Heart pain that comes and goes
• Fatigue with activity
• Heart failure symptoms
Symptoms of heart blockage in females may include jaw pain nausea or unusual tiredness rather than classic chest pain.
Understanding normal cholesterol serum levels helps interpret results correctly.
General targets focus on:
• Lower LDL cholesterol
• Higher HDL cholesterol
• Triglycerides within recommended limits
• Favorable cholesterol to HDL ratio
Healthcare professionals assess these values together rather than relying on one number. Individual targets depend on age medical history and overall risk.
A total cholesterol value of 7.1 mmol L is above recommended levels for most adults. The level of concern depends on LDL HDL triglycerides and non HDL cholesterol values.
Someone with high HDL and low triglycerides may have lower risk than someone with elevated LDL and low HDL. A cholesterol panel blood test provides the full context needed for accurate assessment.
This Cholesterol Check Test offers practical long term benefits.
• Early detection of high cholesterol
• Reduced risk of myocardial infarction
• Prevention of cardiac heart failure
• Support for coronary artery disease treatment planning
• Guidance for lifestyle changes
• Monitoring response to treatment
Knowing your numbers allows proactive heart protection.
After testing a healthcare professional reviews each value.
LDL levels show plaque forming risk. HDL reflects protective capacity. Triglycerides indicate metabolic health. Non HDL cholesterol summarizes total harmful particles.
If values fall outside healthy ranges recommendations may include diet changes increased activity weight management or medication. Understanding results helps you take action with confidence.
Lifestyle changes strongly influence cholesterol levels.
Regular exercise raises HDL and lowers LDL. Many people focus on hdl cholesterol how to increase through brisk walking strength training and consistency.
Dietary improvements such as increasing fiber reducing saturated fat and limiting sugar improve lipid balance. Weight management and smoking cessation further reduce cardiovascular disease symptoms.
Stress management also plays a role in long term heart health.
Cholesterol responds gradually. Regular lipid test monitoring helps identify trends rather than isolated results.
Tracking progress reinforces positive habits and allows timely adjustments. Consistency offers the greatest protection against acute coronary syndrome and heart failure.
A Cholesterol Check Test gives clarity and control. It transforms hidden risk into actionable information.
Whether your goal is prevention or management this test forms the foundation of informed cardiovascular care and long term wellbeing.
Check out our Health optimisation blood test for screening health related issues
It measures total cholesterol LDL HDL triglycerides and non HDL cholesterol.
Diet genetics inactivity smoking aging and certain medical conditions contribute.
Targets vary by risk but lower LDL and higher HDL support heart health.
Yes hormonal changes especially after menopause affect cholesterol balance.
They are blood fats linked to energy storage and cardiovascular risk.
Most adults test annually or as advised by a healthcare professional.
Yes diet exercise and weight control significantly improve lipid profiles.
It reflects all harmful cholesterol particles and overall plaque risk.
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.