Concerned about your heart health, family history of cardiovascular disease, or wanting to understand your cholesterol levels and cardiovascular risk factors?
Check your heart health with our Cholesterol Blood 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.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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
You may benefit from the Cholesterol Blood Test (Lipid Profile)
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.
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
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.
You will be emailed a referral to take to your local collection centre. If you ever have any questions, we're here to help.
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How does it work?
Bloody Good helps you measure your baseline health, identify urgent issues, and track changes over time
1
Book your test
Choose the testing that suits your goals. After ordering, you will receive your referral by email.
2
Collect your samples
Have your sample collected at one of our 4000+ partner collection centres.
3
View your results
View your lab results and receive a personalised review from the secure Bloody Good platform.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our products and services.
Most collection centres accept walk-ins. Some may require a booking - check details when you click on your chosen location.
If your test needs fasting, we’ll include that in your instructions after you order. Fasting usually means no food for 8–12 hours, but water is fine.
Just your pathology referral form (we email it to you)
Of course. Just maybe don’t bring the friend who faints at the sight of blood.
They’re the highly trained professionals who take your blood sample - with a steady hand and a sharp needle. They love blood, but don’t worry… they’re not vampires. Just legends who make blood tests quick, clean, and (almost) painless.
Some of our tests include Urine, Stool, Saliva and more. Each test will have a clear description on what sample you will need to give and instructions on how.
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