Lipid Profile🧪 Lipid Profile (Cholesterol Test)
Assesses heart health by measuring fats in your blood, including cholesterol and triglycerides.
🔍 What is it?
A Lipid Profile is a blood test that measures different types of fats (lipids) in your blood. These fats are crucial indicators of heart disease risk, stroke, and artery health. This test is often included in routine health screenings and is especially recommended if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of heart disease.
📊 What does it measure?
| Marker | What it Indicates |
| Total Cholesterol | Overall amount of cholesterol in your blood |
| LDL ("Bad") Cholesterol | Can build up in arteries and increase heart disease risk |
| HDL ("Good") Cholesterol | Helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream |
| Triglycerides | A type of fat; high levels can also increase heart disease risk |
| Total Cholesterol / HDL Ratio | A useful predictor of cardiovascular risk |
A fasting sample (no food for 9–12 hours) may be required for the most accurate triglyceride result.
❓ Why might I need it?
You may need a Lipid Profile if you:
- Have high blood pressure or diabetes
- Have a family history of heart disease or stroke
- Are overweight or obese
- Smoke or drink alcohol frequently
- Are on a cholesterol-lowering medication (e.g. statins)
- Are over the age of 40 (routine NHS screening age)
- Want a general cardiovascular risk check
🧬 Conditions it can help detect or monitor:
- High cholesterol (hyperlipidaemia)
- Risk of atherosclerosis (narrowing of arteries)
- Risk of heart attack or stroke
- Metabolic syndrome
- Liver or thyroid dysfunction (which can affect lipid metabolism)
📈 Healthy Cholesterol Ranges (UK Guidelines):
| Lipid | Ideal Value |
| Total Cholesterol | Below 5.0 mmol/L |
| LDL Cholesterol | Below 3.0 mmol/L (or below 2.0 mmol/L if high risk) |
| HDL Cholesterol | Above 1.0 mmol/L (men), 1.2 mmol/L (women) |
| Triglycerides | Below 1.7 mmol/L |
Interpretation depends on age, gender, and risk factors. Your GP or healthcare provider will offer personalised advice.
⏱️ How is it done?
- A blood sample is taken from your arm
- You may be asked to fast for 9–12 hours beforehand
- Results are typically ready within 1–2 working days
💷 Typical private cost in the UK:
- £40–£80, depending on the provider
- Often included in general health screenings or heart health panels
✅ Commonly combined with:
- Blood glucose & HbA1c (for diabetes screening)
- Liver function test (LFT)
- Kidney function test (U&Es)
- Full blood count (FBC)
- Thyroid function test (thyroid conditions can affect lipid levels)
📚 References:
- NHS UK – Cholesterol test
- Heart UK – The Cholesterol Charity – Understanding your cholesterol results
- Nice Guidelines – Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification
- British Heart Foundation – Cholesterol explained