Check your heart health with our Cholesterol Test, also known as a Lipid Profile. This test looks at total cholesterol, HDL (the “good” cholesterol), LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), and triglycerides. It may help assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, or metabolic problems, and guide lifestyle or treatment choices to keep your heart in good shape.
Concerned about your heart health, family history of cardiovascular disease, or wanting to understand your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk factors?
Overview
A lipid profile is like getting a comprehensive report card for your heart health by measuring the different types of fats and cholesterol floating through your bloodstream. Think of cholesterol as having two personalities - it's essential for building healthy cells and producing hormones your body needs, but too much of the wrong kind acts like sticky plaque that can clog your arteries, similar to how grease can block your kitchen pipes. This test reveals your total cholesterol picture along with the specific players: LDL (the "bad" cholesterol that sticks to artery walls), HDL (the "good" cholesterol that works like a cleanup crew, hauling the bad stuff back to your liver for disposal), and triglycerides (another type of fat that can spell trouble when levels get too high).
Your results provide a crystal-clear snapshot of your cardiovascular risk, helping you understand whether your current lifestyle is protecting your heart or putting it in danger. High LDL or triglycerides combined with low HDL can signal you're on a path toward heart disease, while balanced numbers suggest your heart's highway system is flowing smoothly. Since these levels respond to everything from your genes and diet to your exercise habits and underlying health conditions, this test becomes your roadmap for making targeted changes - whether that's tweaking your eating habits, adding more movement to your day, or working with your doctor on medications that can help keep your cardiovascular system running strong for decades to come.
Reviewed by Dr. Vu Tran Bloody Good’s Chief Medical Officer
Symptoms
You may benefit from this test if you experience:
Chest pain or tightness
Heart palpitations or racing heart
Family history of heart attack before age 50
Family history of high cholesterol
High cholesterol despite healthy diet
High triglycerides
Low HDL (good) cholesterol
Cardiovascular risk assessment
Leg pain when walking that improves with rest
Family history of high blood pressure
Blood pressure medication effectiveness
Purpose
Essential for adults over 20 for cardiovascular risk assessment. Critical for people with family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity. Important for monitoring statin therapy effectiveness and anyone with metabolic syndrome or multiple cardiovascular risk factors.
How to prepare
Fasting for 9-12 hours is required for accurate triglyceride and LDL cholesterol measurements. Only water is permitted during fasting period. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing as it can significantly elevate triglycerides. Maintain your usual diet for 2 weeks before testing for most representative results. Some medications can affect lipid levels.
Understanding results
Optimal levels: Total cholesterol <5.0 mmol/L, LDL <2.0 mmol/L (or <1.8 mmol/L for high-risk patients), HDL >1.0 mmol/L (men) or >1.3 mmol/L (women), Triglycerides <1.7 mmol/L. Results are interpreted based on overall cardiovascular risk factors including age, blood pressure, smoking, and diabetes status to determine treatment targets.
After the test
Discuss results with your healthcare provider to assess overall cardiovascular risk. Abnormal lipid levels may require lifestyle modifications including dietary changes, increased exercise, weight management, and smoking cessation. Medication therapy such as statins may be recommended for high-risk patients. Regular monitoring is typically required every 5 years or more frequently if abnormal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fasting ensures accurate triglyceride and LDL cholesterol measurements. Eating can temporarily raise triglycerides by 20-30%, which affects calculated LDL cholesterol values and cardiovascular risk assessment.
HDL ('good') cholesterol removes harmful cholesterol from arteries and transports it to the liver for disposal. LDL ('bad') cholesterol can build up in artery walls, causing blockages that lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Adults should have lipid testing every 5 years starting at age 20, or more frequently if they have risk factors like diabetes, family history, or are taking cholesterol medications.
Yes, dietary changes can significantly impact cholesterol. Reducing saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol while increasing fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and plant sterols can improve lipid profiles within 2-3 months.
The total cholesterol to HDL ratio should ideally be below 4.0, with lower ratios indicating better cardiovascular health. However, absolute levels of each component are more important than ratios.
Statin therapy is typically considered when LDL cholesterol remains elevated despite lifestyle changes, especially in patients with diabetes, established cardiovascular disease, or high calculated cardiovascular risk scores.
We want you to feel bloody good—inside and out. Regular testing isn’t just about checking your current health; it helps you spot abnormal values you might not know about.
1
Book your referral
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your sample
Easy sample collection at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres throughout Australia. Find nearest
3
Receive your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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