South Kensington Tube.
Cholesterol Test
Code : CHO Turnaround time: 1 Day
- Same Day Appointments
- Free Cancellation
Prices listed on the website are exclusive of our phlebotomy (blood draw) fee.
A blood draw fee of £50 is payable for blood tests, urine tests and swabs carry no surcharge.
Private Cholesterol Test in South Kensington, London
A cholesterol blood test, or lipid profile, is a quick yet significant test that examines the amount of LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood. This test is vital in determining how likely you are to get heart disease, stroke and other illnesses. At Private Blood Tests London, we have cholesterol tests that can be done just in a matter of few minutes.
Cholesterol levels can be influenced by underlying medical illnesses like hypertension, diabetes, kidney or liver disease and an underactive thyroid gland. Routine monitoring is an important aspect of preventive healthcare and can identify risks at an early stage so that they can be treated in time.
If you want to book a cholesterol test in London, you can schedule a consultation with us.
Understanding Different Types of Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a type of fat present in your blood. If your cholesterol levels are extremely high, it can clog your arteries and lead to complications such as heart disease, strokes, and other health problems. A lipid profile measures the different types of cholesterol and triglycerides in your body. This will include:
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: This is referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol and it is the one responsible for the accumulation of fat in your blood vessels, limiting the circulation of blood throughout the body.
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol: This is referred to as ‘good’ cholesterol since it removes LDL cholesterol from the blood and enhances blood circulation.
- Triglycerides: A type of fat found in blood that accumulates when your body has excess calories to burn. These extra calories may result from a diet high in unwanted calories, too much alcohol consumption, smoking and lack of exercise.
- Total cholesterol: It refers to the overall amount of cholesterol in your body – including LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
Based on your health condition, medical history and test results, you might be advised to get other tests to clarify your health risks.
Warning Signs Indicating You Need a Cholesterol Test
Typically, it is not possible to notice symptoms of high cholesterol. The only way to determine elevated cholesterol levels is through a blood test. You are more likely to have high cholesterol if you:
- Are above 40 years old
- Are obese or overweight
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Have high blood pressure or other diseases like diabetes
If any of the above signs are applicable to you, or even if they are not, you might want a cholesterol check simply for peace of mind. We can provide private cholesterol testing with one of our specialist phlebotomists (medical practitioners who are qualified in collecting blood samples) or nurses along with our private GP consultations. We will arrange your appointment within 24 hours of you contacting us and have your results available within 1 working day from the time of sample collection.
02034759389
What does the test involve?
This is a straightforward procedure. A doctor or nurse will explain the entire process and discuss any health concerns with you before collecting your sample.
7 Biomarkers of Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can block your arteries – resulting in coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Learning about high cholesterol levels can assist you in making the healthy lifestyle and dietary changes to enhance your prospects of a long, healthy life.
- Total Cholesterol
- Percentage of HDL
- High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol
- Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol
- Non-HDL-Cholesterol
- Ratio of Total Cholesterol to HDL
- Triglyceride
Why choose Private Blood Tests London for your Cholesterol Test?
Excellent private cardiac care
We pride on earning the trust of hundreds and thousands of people with our best quality cardiac care – treating more than 25,000 cases every year with about 99% patients recommending us to their friends and family.
Expert consultants
Our healthcare team first discusses your test, carries it out, and then it is followed up by a phlebotomist or specialist nurse. This ensures accurate results and the highest quality care.
Quick access
We will respond to your appointment within 24 hours of call and have your test results within 2 days. If required, we will provide rapid, tailored advice for reducing your blood cholesterol levels.
Modern facilities
Our top private hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centres guarantee you easy access to the best medical staff, equipment and treatments.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol levels indicate fat build-up in your blood vessels. While some of these factors can be controlled, others cannot be. For instance, high cholesterol may occur due to several reasons, such as:
- Age: Individuals over 40 are more prone to develop higher cholesterol levels
- Gender: As compared to women, men are more prone to getting high cholesterol
- Ethnicity: Individuals belonging to a south Asian background are more likely to get higher blood cholesterol
- Being obese or overweight
- Smoking habits
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Consuming foods rich in fats
- Lack of adequate physical activity and exercise
There could be some additional factors that might increase your chances of having high cholesterol. For instance, you might make an appointment for a test if you have:
- Family history of high cholesterol or other heart problems
- Diabetes with high blood sugar levels
- Oversight with your kidney or liver: Cholesterol production, management and clearance are some important functions of these organs.
If you have concerns or questions regarding these factors, our experts can explain and help you manage your risk appropriately, if needed.
Understanding Normal Cholesterol Levels
Cholesterol levels in blood vary across individuals, but overall the higher HDL cholesterol levels and lower the non-HDL and LDL cholesterol are, the better it is for your health.
Recommended healthy cholesterol levels are:
- Non-HDL cholesterol (‘bad’ cholesterol): 4mmol/L or less
- LDL cholesterol (‘bad’ cholesterol): less than 3mmol/L or below
- HDL cholesterol (‘good’ cholesterol): 1mmol/L or more in men and 1.2mmol/L or more in women
- Total cholesterol: 5mmol/L or less
- Ratio of Total cholesterol to HDL: 6 or less
But these are only guidelines. Discuss your results with your doctor and what levels you should be aiming for optimal health status.
If you have suffered a stroke or heart attack, you are more likely to have another, so you will need lower recommended healthy cholesterol levels:
- Non-HDL cholesterol:6mmol/L or less
- LDL cholesterol:0mmol/L or less
- Total cholesterols0mmol/L or less
What to Expect throughout the Cholesterol Testing Procedure
Step 1 Preparing for test
We recommend fasting before the test. You may have a light dinner the night before and skip breakfast on the day of your appointment. However, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. You may have tea or black coffee, but without sugar or milk. If your appointment is in the afternoon, please avoid food for at least 6 hours beforehand.
Step 2: While taking the test
The nurse or doctor will draw a small amount of blood from your inner arm, near the elbow. It is a fairly painless test.
Step 3: Results
When we get the test results back from the laboratory we will send them to you by email. If the test was ordered by one of our doctors, the doctor will interpret the results for you. If you have not booked a consultation at our clinic, you may take the results to your own physician or return for a consultation.
Book Your Private Cholesterol Test
If you are concerned about having high cholesterol or if you just want to have your cholesterol levels checked out, we can schedule your appointment within 24 hours from the time you contact us. Once we have checked your cholesterol, we can provide your results within 2 working days.
If you are looking forward to get cholesterol test, contact Private Blood Tests London at info@privatebloodtestslondon.co.uk or call us directly on 02034759389 to book an appointment.
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FAQs
For most adults, a lipid profile is advised every 4 to 6 years if the initial results are within the normal range and no risks for heart disease have been detected. More tests may be required for those with greater risk factors. Your health care provider will tell you how often you should follow up on the screening based on your individual health profile and treatment plan.
Having fatty meals prior to your test can raise your triglyceride levels temporarily. Consuming alcohol, becoming ill, being under a lot of stress, taking certain medications, and exercising before the test are all factors that can alter your cholesterol levels as well. Not fasting correctly or errors at the laboratory can also cause inaccurate results. To have the most accurate results, follow every advice you receive and inform your physician of any medicines or supplements you take.
After the test, you might experience some discomfort, bruising and redness in the fingertip or arm where you have been injected; but this typically does not last long. The test results are mostly ready within a day or two, and then the consultant will explain you the test results and discuss your different types of cholesterol levels. Based on these results, the doctor will advise on your lifestyle changes, diet or medication to help regulate your optimal cholesterol levels.
This is a routine test carried out thousands of times each year. You might experience a little discomfort around your finger or arm where the blood was taken, but this will quickly pass. In rare cases, the area where the blood is drawn may become infected, though this is very unlikely. If you have any concerns, your specialist nurse or phlebotomist can reassure you.
There are a few things related to higher cholesterol that you cannot do anything about – like your age, ethnic background and your gender at birth. But there are lots of things that you can do to reduce your levels if they are too high. These are:
- Consuming less fatty foods like pies, butter, hard cheese, sausages, biscuits and cakes
- Increasing food intake of wholegrain pasta, oily fish, fruit and vegetables, brown rice
- at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week – such as jogging, walking, swimming or cycling
- Quitting smoking habits
- Reducing alcohol consumption, along with eliminating binge-drinking
Relevant Tests
How Private Blood Tests London Works
Order your test
Select the test that you would like to undergo
Provide your sample
Visit our clinic in South Kensington for your blood draw and pay for your test in person
View your results
As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method
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Advice from expert UK doctors
