Cholesterol Test
Feb 1, 2026
Cholesterol Test
A cholesterol test (lipid panel) measures total cholesterol, LDL ('bad' cholesterol), HDL ('good' cholesterol), and triglycerides—providing essential information about your cardiovascular disease risk, which remains the leading cause of death in the UK. High cholesterol affects over half of UK adults but causes no symptoms, making testing the only way to know your levels.
At Blood Test London, cholesterol testing costs from £245 with results in 2-3 days.
What Does a Cholesterol Test Measure?
Marker | What It Is | Optimal Level |
|---|---|---|
Total Cholesterol | All cholesterol combined | Below 5 mmol/L |
LDL Cholesterol | "Bad" cholesterol that clogs arteries | Below 3 mmol/L (below 2 if high risk) |
HDL Cholesterol | "Good" cholesterol that protects heart | Above 1.0 mmol/L (men), above 1.2 (women) |
Triglycerides | Fat in blood, affected by diet | Below 1.7 mmol/L (fasting) |
Total:HDL Ratio | Risk calculation | Below 4 |
Non-HDL Cholesterol | Total minus HDL | Below 4 mmol/L |
Why Cholesterol Matters
How High Cholesterol Harms
High LDL cholesterol:
Deposits in artery walls
Forms plaque buildup (atherosclerosis)
Narrows arteries over time
Can lead to heart attack or stroke
The Silent Killer
High cholesterol has no symptoms. You can feel perfectly healthy while plaque builds up for years. Testing is the only way to know.
Risk Factors
Family history of heart disease
Age (risk increases with age)
Being overweight
Sedentary lifestyle
Poor diet
Smoking
Diabetes
Understanding Your Results
LDL (The Priority Target)
LDL Level | Risk Category |
|---|---|
Below 2 mmol/L | Ideal (especially if high risk) |
2-3 mmol/L | Good for most people |
3-4 mmol/L | Borderline high |
Above 4 mmol/L | High—take action |
HDL (Higher Is Better)
HDL Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Below 1.0 mmol/L | Low (increases risk) |
1.0-1.5 mmol/L | Average |
Above 1.5 mmol/L | Protective |
Triglycerides
Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
Below 1.7 mmol/L | Normal |
1.7-2.3 mmol/L | Borderline high |
2.3-5.6 mmol/L | High |
Above 5.6 mmol/L | Very high (pancreatitis risk) |
How to Improve Cholesterol
Diet Changes (Most Effective)
Eat more:
Oily fish (omega-3 lowers triglycerides)
Oats and barley (beta-glucan lowers LDL)
Nuts, especially almonds and walnuts
Olive oil (replaces saturated fats)
Beans and legumes (fibre binds cholesterol)
Fruits and vegetables (plant sterols)
Eat less:
Saturated fat (fatty meat, butter, cheese)
Trans fats (processed foods, some margarines)
Refined carbohydrates (white bread, sugar)
Processed meats
Lifestyle Changes
Change | Effect |
|---|---|
Exercise 150 min/week | Raises HDL, lowers triglycerides |
Lose 5-10% body weight | Significant LDL reduction |
Stop smoking | Raises HDL within weeks |
Limit alcohol | Lowers triglycerides |
When Medication Is Needed
Statins may be recommended if:
Diet and lifestyle haven't worked
You have high cardiovascular risk
LDL remains above 4 mmol/L
You have diabetes or existing heart disease
Get Your Cholesterol Checked Today
Our Cholesterol Test Options
Basic Lipid Panel - £245
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides, ratios
Advanced Cardiac Risk - £345
Full lipid panel plus
ApoB (particle number—better predictor)
Lp(a) (genetic risk marker)
hsCRP (inflammation marker)
Book Your Cholesterol Test
Price: From £245
Results: 2-3 days
Doctor review: A doctor always reviews every result
Fasting required: 10-14 hours for accurate triglycerides (water allowed)
FAQ
How often should I check cholesterol?
Every 5 years from age 40, or more frequently if you have risk factors or are on medication.
Do I need to fast?
Yes—12-14 hours fasting (water okay) for accurate triglyceride results.
Is high cholesterol genetic?
Partially. Familial hypercholesterolemia affects 1 in 250 people and causes very high LDL regardless of diet.
Can I lower cholesterol without medication?
Many people can with diet and lifestyle changes. It depends on how high levels are and your overall risk.
Are eggs bad for cholesterol?
Current evidence suggests eggs have minimal impact on blood cholesterol for most people. Dietary saturated fat matters more.
Blood Test London by The Wellness. Cholesterol testing from £245, results in 2-3 days.