Cholesterol Blood Test | Test Explainer

Welcome to one of our Rightangled Test Explainers.

In this video we look in more depth at our Cholesterol blood test — how it measures your cholesterol levels, highlights the main contributing factors, and provides guidance to help reduce cardiovascular risk.

A lipid profile typically covers total cholesterol, LDL (often called "bad" cholesterol), HDL ("good" cholesterol) and triglycerides. It is the balance between these that matters, rather than the total figure alone.

Cholesterol produces no symptoms whatsoever until damage has been done, which is precisely why measuring it matters. If your results are raised, that is not a verdict — it is useful information, and for most people it responds well to dietary change, activity and, where appropriate, treatment discussed with a clinician.

Browse our current range of home blood tests and DNA tests. All results are reviewed by our clinical team, which includes GPhC-registered independent prescribers, with medical oversight from our doctor, Dr Abdullah.

For more videos like this, visit our Test Explainer series.

Related reading: basic heart health.

Some products shown in older videos may no longer be available. This video is for general information and does not replace personalised medical advice.