Cholesterol Blood Test
AS SEEN IN
Cholesterol Blood Test
Cholesterol Blood Tests can be self-administered through a finger-prick test, measuring triglycerides, LDL and HDL.
- Are you interested in checking your heart health? Perhaps your family has a history of high cholesterol levels or you would like to find out the best way to optimise your diet to help reduce your bad cholesterol levels. Take our simple home finger prick blood test to get a better understanding of your cholesterol levels and in turn improve your heart health. Take action today and find out your cholesterol levels.
AS SEEN IN
Don’t just take our word for it
- Biomarkers
- Information
Total Cholesterol
Total cholesterol measures the total amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL and LDL. Cholesterol is created in the liver and plays an important role in multiple bodily functions such as; creating vitamin D and bile and being the membrane of all of your body's cells. Cholesterol helps to transport fatty acids around through the blood and can act as a great indicator of your heart health, such as predispositions to cardiovascular issues such as a heart attack and heart disease.
HDL (High-density lipoprotein)
HDL is an abbreviation for high-density lipoprotein and is often referred to as the 'good cholesterol' because of its role in removing other forms of cholesterol from your body. HDL can help to protect your heart and blood vessels due to its anti-inflammatory effect, anti-oxidant properties and its ability to remove excess fat to the liver for processing. Therefore having optimal HDL levels is essential to your health. Our Welzo HDL test will identify your HDL levels and give insight into improvements that need to be made to help boost your HDL levels.
More information on HDL Cholesterol can be found by clicking here.
LDL (Low-density lipoprotein)
LDL or Low-density lipoprotein helps the body transport fat such as Triglycerides. However, LDL is often referred to as the 'bad' cholesterol because when your LDL levels are elevated, you face an increased risk of cardiovascular issues. These include heart attack and heart disease. This occurs as LDL can lead to fatty deposits accruing in the artery walls leading to atherosclerosis.
For more information on LDL click here.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a blood fat playing an essential part in the healthy function of your body. Triglycerides are the body's primary storage method for fat and can be used as an energy source. Triglycerides are created in the liver, and while they are essential for energy and fat storage, having elevated levels of triglycerides can lead to cardiovascular issues. Therefore it is crucial to monitor your triglycerides when checking overall cholesterol levels.
HDL % of total
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) percentage of total calculates the amount of HDL you have compared to your total cholesterol level. This specific test biomarker assesses your cardiovascular risk by calculating the total amount of 'good' vs 'bad' and total cholesterol you have in your blood. Doctors and heart disease assessment calculators use this % of the total to evaluate your overall cardiovascular health.
Non HDL Cholesterol
While we are individually measuring your HDL and LDL levels in this test, we will also carry out a non-HDL cholesterol check. This essentially includes all harmful cholesterol in your blood sample and is considered a primary indicator and risk assessment tool for cardiovascular health. Non-HDL levels should generally be below 4mmol/L. HDL and LDL levels can then be monitored to evaluate how any implementation of diet and lifestyle changes impacts your individual cholesterol levels, helping you to optimise your lifestyle based on your biomarkers.
When to take a test?
This test is primarily conducted to evaluate cardiovascular health and can be carried out by anyone who wants to optimise their heart health.
You should strongly consider this test if:
Your family has a history of cardiovascular-related illness
Your family has a strong history of heart infection
Your lifestyle is not optimal for cardiovascular health
You are a smoker
You are a heavy drinker
You are over 50 years old and lead a sedentary lifestyle
You suffer from diabetes, kidney infection, polycystic ovary syndrome or an underactive thyroid gland
Additional Information
A cholesterol blood test is a lab assay that measures the amount of cholesterol in your blood. This type of test is used to screen for and diagnose hyperlipidemia, which is a condition characterised by high levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fatty molecules) in the blood. A cholesterol blood test may also be ordered to help determine your risk of developing heart disease.
The National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) recommends that all adults aged 20 and older have their cholesterol levels checked at least every five years. If you have certain risk factors for heart disease – such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease – your doctor may recommend more frequent cholesterol testing.
During a cholesterol blood test, a small sample of your blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a lab for analysis. The results of your test will be reported as total cholesterol, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, HDL (“good”) cholesterol, and triglycerides (another type of fat found in the blood).
Your doctor will use the results of your cholesterol blood test, along with other factors such as your age, gender, family history, and lifestyle choices, to determine whether you are at risk for heart disease. If your cholesterol levels are high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes and/or medication to help lower them.
If you're looking for a home cholesterol test, there are a few different options available to you. One popular option is a cholesterol test kit that can be purchased from your local pharmacy or grocery store. These kits typically involve pricking your finger to get a blood sample, which you then send to a lab for analysis.
Another option is to use a home cholesterol testing device, which requires you to prick your fingertip and place the blood on a testing strip. The device will then provide you with your cholesterol levels. Home cholesterol testing devices are becoming increasingly popular, as they are easy to use and provide accurate results.
Whichever option you choose, it's important to make sure that you follow the instructions carefully so that you get accurate results. And if you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Additional Insight from Dr Sameer Nakedar, MBBS, MRCGP, PGCert
Cholesterol is commonly known as a fatty substance in the blood. There is LDL, which is ‘bad’ cholesterol and HDL, the good cholesterol.
LDL can stick to blood vessel walls and, over time, narrow arteries increasing the chance of Cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is the umbrella term describing heart and/ or blood vessel conditions, such as heart disease or strokes.
HDL helps deposit bad cholesterol in the liver.
Cholesterol Statistics - The 'Silent' Killer
Cholesterol levels in the UK are rising year on year. Understanding your cholesterol levels and make up is essential to optimising your lifestyle.
Experts Opinion
"This blood profile gives a picture of your lipid profile, which will help you understand cardiovascular disease risk. If appropriate, you can consider lifestyle and treatment options to minimise this element of risk based on the results."
How to take a home blood test
Collecting a blood sample for your finger prick home test is straightforward. Watch the video below for more details on how to take a home blood test.
How it works
-
Pick your home test
We have a wide range of tests to cover your health needs. Order with next day delivery and avoid sitting in a doctor's office or clinic. Use our quiz to find the right test for you.
-
Take your test
Activate your test and collect your sample in the morning. Return your sample on the same day, using the prepaid shipping label provided. Samples use a simple finger prick collection method that takes around 5 minutes to complete.
-
Results within 48 hours
You'll get verified results and insights into what the biomarkers mean. Order now to become a healthier you!
Why Welzo
Welzo health tests are shipped straight to your address the very next day.
We are a team of doctors and scientists, making cutting edge analysis accessible.
We issue results 24/7, giving you personal insights into your body.
