Blood Testing

Cholesterol Check

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood that is essential for the body’s normal functioning. It helps in the production of hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help you digest food. However, having high levels of certain types of cholesterol in your blood can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

There are two main types of cholesterol:

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein): Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, because high levels of LDL can lead to a build-up of plaque in your arteries, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein): Known as "good" cholesterol, because it helps remove LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream, preventing the build-up of plaque.

What is a Lipid Profile?

A lipid profile is a blood test that measures cholesterol levels, providing key insights into your risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Tests Included in a Lipid Profile:

  • Total Cholesterol – Measures the total cholesterol in your blood, including LDL and HDL. High levels can increase heart disease risk, but it's important to assess individual components.
  • Triglycerides – Fats in your blood, derived from food. High levels, especially with low HDL or high LDL, increase heart disease risk and may indicate diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
  • HDL Cholesterol (High-Density Lipoprotein) – Known as "good" cholesterol, it removes LDL cholesterol from the blood, reducing plaque build-up in arteries. Higher HDL levels are linked to lower heart disease risk.
  • LDL Cholesterol (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – "Bad" cholesterol that can cause plaque formation in arteries, increasing heart attack and stroke risks. Lowering LDL is crucial for heart health.
  • Non-HDL Cholesterol – Calculated by subtracting HDL from total cholesterol, this includes all "bad" cholesterol types, such as LDL and VLDL. High non-HDL levels signal increased cardiovascular disease risk.
  • HDL/Cholesterol Ratio – The ratio of HDL to total cholesterol. A higher ratio indicates more good cholesterol, which is better for heart health, while a lower ratio suggests higher heart disease risk.

These tests help evaluate your overall cholesterol health and heart disease risk.

Why Should You Get Your Cholesterol Tested?

Testing your cholesterol is essential for understanding your heart health and identifying any risk factors that may lead to heart disease or stroke. It’s recommended that adults over the age of 20 have their cholesterol levels checked every 4-6 years. However, you may need more frequent testing if:

  • You have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
  • You are overweight or obese.
  • You have high blood pressure, diabetes, or other health conditions.
  • You smoke or have a poor diet

Before you test

A cholesterol test is a simple blood test, typically performed after fasting for at least 8-12 hours to ensure accurate measurements.

High Cholestrol

If your levels are outside the normal range, your provider may recommend lifestyle changes such as:

  • Improving diet: Eating foods lower in saturated fats, cholesterol, and trans fats.
  • Increasing physical activity: Engaging in regular exercise to improve heart health.
  • Weight loss: Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Medication: If necessary, your doctor may prescribe medications such as statins to lower LDL cholesterol or raise HDL cholesterol.

Why Is Cholesterol Management Important?

Managing your cholesterol levels is crucial for reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues. By maintaining a healthy balance of cholesterol, you can help protect your arteries and ensure proper blood flow to vital organs.

Price

£57.00

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