Blood test
Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile)
A cholesterol test is a blood test that measures fats in your blood — total cholesterol, "good" HDL, "bad" LDL and triglycerides — to help assess your risk of heart disease and stroke.
Quick answer
Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile): what it is and what the results mean
A lipid profile measures several fats (lipids) carried in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol and triglycerides, which together help estimate cardiovascular risk.
- Why it is done: It is used to assess the risk of heart attack and stroke, to guide whether cholesterol-lowering treatment is needed, and to monitor the effect of lifestyle changes or medicines such as statins.
- Understanding results: A high LDL and total cholesterol, or a high total-to-HDL ratio, raises cardiovascular risk, while a higher HDL is protective.
What it is
A lipid profile measures several fats (lipids) carried in the blood, including total cholesterol, LDL ("bad") cholesterol, HDL ("good") cholesterol and triglycerides, which together help estimate cardiovascular risk.
Why it is done
It is used to assess the risk of heart attack and stroke, to guide whether cholesterol-lowering treatment is needed, and to monitor the effect of lifestyle changes or medicines such as statins.
What to expect
A blood sample is taken from the arm. Some cholesterol tests, particularly those measuring triglycerides, may ask you to fast beforehand — you will be told if this applies. Many modern tests no longer require fasting.
Understanding the results
A high LDL and total cholesterol, or a high total-to-HDL ratio, raises cardiovascular risk, while a higher HDL is protective. Results are combined with blood pressure, age and other factors in an overall risk score rather than judged in isolation.
Good to know
Risks and limitations
Risks are those of a routine blood test. Cholesterol is only one part of heart-disease risk, so results are always interpreted alongside blood pressure, smoking, diabetes and family history.
Education and reference only. This explains the test in general terms and is not medical advice. Always follow the specific instructions from the team arranging your test, and discuss your results with your clinician.
Answers
Cholesterol Test (Lipid Profile): frequently asked questions
What is a healthy cholesterol level?
Targets depend on your overall cardiovascular risk rather than a single number, but generally a lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and a higher HDL ("good") cholesterol are better. Your clinician will interpret yours in context.
Do I need to fast for a cholesterol test?
Not always. Many cholesterol tests can be done without fasting, but some — especially when triglycerides are important — ask you to avoid food for a period beforehand. You will be told in advance.
Related tests
Other blood test investigations
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — diagnostic guidance
- Royal College of Pathologists / relevant professional body
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