Cholesterol

Why have a Cholesterol blood test?

A cholesterol blood test is used to assess your risk of developing heart disease. By measuring your cholesterol levels, your healthcare provider can collaborate with you to develop a plan to manage your risk factors and improve your heart health.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance found in blood, essential for building cells and producing hormones, but high levels can contribute to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Who may be at risk?

Your GP might suggest having a test if they think your cholesterol level could be high due to factors such as your age, weight, or another condition you have (like high blood pressure or diabetes).

What are the symptoms?

High cholesterol does not cause symptoms, so the only way to find out if you have it is through a blood test.

How does the blood test work?

A cholesterol test is a simple blood test that measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. It can help determine your risk of developing heart disease by detecting the buildup of fatty deposits (plaques) in your arteries that can lead to narrowed or blocked arteries throughout your body (atherosclerosis). A cholesterol test can measure total cholesterol, the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including both “good” and “bad” cholesterol. It can also measure the total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio (TC: HDL), the level of good cholesterol in your blood compared to your overall cholesterol level.

What does my result mean?

If you have high cholesterol, a doctor or nurse will talk to you about how you can lower it. This might include things like changing your diet or taking medicine. They may also work out your risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. Lowering your cholesterol can help lower your risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Having a cholesterol blood test is a key step in taking control of your health and reducing your risk of heart disease.

Click below to download a PDF booklet with information on all of the health tests we offer: