• Monday - Friday
    9am – 6pm
  • Saturday - Sunday
    10am – 2pm
Description

LIPID PROFILE TEST

Heart diseases and stroke are greatly linked to high levels of cholesterol. This happens when cholesterol or fats stick to the blood vessels walls. They clog arteries, reducing the normal rate or flow of blood to the heart, causing sudden clot of blood and ultimately leading to a heart attack.

We don’t want this occurrence, which is why you should give us a call today on 020 71830244 to book an appointment and get your lipid profile test done!

What are lipids?

Lipids are the different kinds of cholesterol and other fats that are found in the blood. Checking the lipid profile will give you information on your total cholesterol level, together with the high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and any other form of fat called triglycerides.

What is lipid profile testing?

Lipid profile testing is a blood test that checks for the level of lipids in the blood. Cholesterol and triglycerides are transported by lipoprotein. Lipoproteins are particles that are responsible for transporting cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

These particles are classified into various classes or groups based on their density. They can be;

  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
  • Intermediate density lipoprotein (IDL)
  • Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)

The last two are not usually measured during routine lipid profile testing. The first two, however, are often the ones that are more focused on.

High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)

This measures the cholesterol levels in the HDL particles. It is referred to as good cholesterol because it takes away excess cholesterol and directs them to the liver for removal.

Contact us to get your High-density lipoprotein cholesterol test done!

Non-HDL cholesterol

Often, this is referred to as bad cholesterol because it is deposited in the blood vessels, which ultimately constricts blood flow.

Lipid profile testing thus provides the result to the levels of the following;

  • Total cholesterol
  • High-density lipoprotein
  • Low-density lipoprotein
  • Triglycerides

Before taking the test

Note that lipid profile testing should be done when the person is healthy. This is because taking the test when ill might give inappropriate results as some drugs have been known to interfere with the test.

To get good results, we at Blood London always advise our clients to take the test at least six weeks after any illness.

Earlier on, people who wished to undergo lipid testing were asked to fast for 12 hours before the blood sample is taken. Up until 2014, this practice was still in use. These days, however, it is not in use anymore, but some situations might still require a fast.

How is lipid testing carried out?

Lipid profile testing is a procedure that requires blood testing. This is where our services come in. Blood London is a reputed clinic that carries out all forms of blood test.

To test for lipid profile, a sample of blood is taken from you. It could be by finger pricking blood test or by a process called venepuncture, i.e. a process of drawing or collecting blood from the vein in the arm using a needle.

Whichever method is used, it is meant to collect blood sample so that the lipid profile is viewed.

Don’t hesitate to get yours done right away at our clinic before that situation goes out of hands

Importance of lipids profile testing

Testing the lipid profile makes us aware of our cholesterol levels. This is done so that once the treatment commences, immediately there are high levels of cholesterol, that will indicate the risk or possibility of heart-related diseases or even stroke.

This is important if you are at risk of one cardiovascular disease or another or even stroke.

You don’t need to wait for a heart-related disease or a heart attack before you carry out that test. Do reach out to us at the Blood London Clinic today on 020 71830244 and will be glad to assist you to ascertain your lipid profile.

Cholesterol test results

After the test has been carried out, and the results are in, you might wonder what all the digits mean. Here are some pointers

Total cholesterol

A good result should be in the range of 200mg/dl or less. Above 210 -240 mg/dl is still good, but anything above 240mg/dl means a high level of cholesterol.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL)

For HDL, the higher the number, the better the result. This means 60mg/dl and above indicates a good result. It means your heart is protected from diseases. 59mg/dl and less, about 40mg/dl is not as high, but it still gives a good result. Anything less than 40mg/dl is not good as it means you may be at risk of heart disease.

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

Unlike HDL, a good LDL result should show lower digits. 100mg/dl and less is ideal. A result that shows up to 129mg/dl might also be accepted as good, depending on your health. 130mg/dl and above is not a good report as you are at a greater risk of heart disease.

Triglycerides

An ideal result should show fewer digits for triglycerides. Anything around 150mg/dl or higher is not a good sign.

Managing abnormal lipid levels

A high cholesterol level does not automatically mean that you have heart disease. It simply means you are at risk of having one if you do not pay attention to your health. You can turn the tables around by making lifestyle changes, to reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

Some steps you can take include;

  • Engaging in aerobic exercises
  • Consuming diets of low saturated fat
  • Consuming foods that are rich in fibre and plant sterols

If this does not work, you can try using medications to lower cholesterol levels. Our expert medical team can give you advice o what to do and how to effectively manage the situation.

At Blood London, we advise our clients, especially those with unfavourable tests results to engage in follow-up tests every five years. This will help to keep your cholesterol levels in check.

Contact us today on 02071830244, or send us an email for enquiries on lipid profile.

Blood London have been providing Lipid Profile Blood Test on a self-referral basis to patients in Central and Greater London for over 20 years. Simply walk-in weekdays between 9am and 6pm or on weekends between 10am and 2pm, to have your blood taken by a highly experienced professional in our private, Harley Street clinic using some of the best labs in europe.

Please note that when ordering blood tests on a self-request basis, we will forward you the laboratory report without note or comment from our doctors unless you are under their care.

Following the results of your test, if you would like to undergo a consultation, further testing or treatment please feel free to reach out to the clinic and we'll be happy to help.

How Blood London Works

Order your test

Order your test

Select the test that you would like to undergo

Provide your sample

Provide your sample

Go to the Harley Street clinic for your blood draw and pay for your test in person

View your results

View your results

As soon as the results are ready, the will be sent to you by your chosen method

World class partner lab (TDL)

World class partner lab (TDL)

Advice from expert UK doctors

Advice from expert UK doctors

Repeat your tests and track your improvements!

Repeat your tests and track your improvements!

Comprehensive Blood Testing