Test interpretation
You will be given an individualised interpretation of each lipid fraction along with advise about what this means for you and any actions you should take.
Assess your full cholesterol profile and risk of future cardiovascular disease.
The cholesterol (lipid) profile has four component parts.
The lipid profiles includes:
What is cholesterol and why is it important?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance known as a lipid, and is important for the normal function of cells and organs in the body. It is also used to make hormones which are essential for reproduction, development and growth including Vitamin D.
Cholesterol is mainly produced by the liver and the cells of the intestinal wall, but intake can also be obtained from the diet. Having elevated cholesterol can increase the risk of developing vascular disease which may lead to serious health conditions such as atherosclerosis (clotted arteries), a blood clot, angina (arm or chest pain during physical activity), heart attack or stroke.
Lifestyle factors such as a poor diet with a high saturated fat intake, smoking, obesity and drinking large amounts of alcohol can increase the risk of developing serious health conditions including heart disease. Other health disorders such as diabetes mellitus (HbA1c test), high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, hypothyroidism or a family history of heart disease or stroke can also contribute towards increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).
There is an inherited condition which runs in families, which can cause high cholesterol even in patients who have a healthy lifestyle and diet. This is called familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH).
Some factors which cause high cholesterol cannot be changed; these are called ‘non-modifiable’ risk factors. These include:
Triglycerides are fats made by the liver and are also a type of fat found in the diet. These foods include dairy products, meat and cooking oils.
Triglycerides increase in the blood after eating a meal, and slowly reduce over a few hours after eating.
The role of triglycerides in the body are as a source of energy for cells, tissues and organs, or as fat storage.
Triglyceride concentrations are important as they can be used as an independent risk factor for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Very high triglyceride levels may also confer a risk for the development of acute pancreatitis.
High-density lipoproteins are also known as ‘good cholesterol’ as they protect against heart disease, so the higher the HDL-cholesterol levels, the better. Low HDL-cholesterol concentrations, especially paired with high levels of triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease.
Non-HDL cholesterol is a calculated result using total cholesterol minus HDL-cholesterol which is ‘good cholesterol’. This final number represents all the ‘bad cholesterol’ together and should be less than 4 mmol/L and is the best individual risk factor.
Having a high cholesterol or triglyceride result, or having an abnormal lipoprotein fraction more often than not will not have any outwards signs or symptoms.
Risk factors to consider are:
You will be given an individualised interpretation of each lipid fraction along with advise about what this means for you and any actions you should take.
All tests are confidential, and designed simply to help you self diagnose.
All tests are designed to be able to be carried out in the comfort of your own home, simply follow the package instructions.
For the best results all tests should be returned in the pre-paid package provided as soon as they are carried out.
We will contact you by your chosen method to let you know your results are ready (typically 24-48 hours). You will then be able to log into your personal dashboard and view your results.
Designed by clinicians to enable you to clearly and safely interpret your results with different charts and views to help you monitor and aid self-improvement.