Cholesterol test: measure HDL, LDL and triglycerides

A cholesterol test gives you preventive insight into the fats circulating through your blood. HDL, LDL and triglycerides relate to your cardiovascular health, yet you rarely notice abnormal values yourself.

Measuring your cholesterol is therefore an efficient way to get a grip on your health. You receive a snapshot of your lipid profile that you can discuss with a doctor alongside your lifestyle and family history. That is not a diagnosis, but a starting point.

This test may suit people who:

• want to check their cholesterol values without seeing a GP first
• have a family history of cardiovascular conditions or raised cholesterol
• have changed their diet or lifestyle and want to see the effect on their lipids
• previously had values outside the reference range and want to follow up

Would you like to have your cholesterol tested as part of a wider picture? A doctor may advise adding other values as well.

This lipid panel measures three biomarkers in your blood:

• HDL Cholesterol: often called the "favourable" cholesterol, as it helps transport cholesterol away from your blood vessels. Read more on the page about HDL Cholesterol.
• LDL Cholesterol: sometimes called the "less favourable" cholesterol; higher levels are associated with a higher cardiovascular risk. Learn more about LDL Cholesterol.
• Triglycerides: a type of fat in your blood that can relate to your diet and metabolism. See the page about triglycerides.

Together these three markers give a picture of your lipid balance.

The balance between your lipids can be just as telling as the individual values. A high LDL relative to your HDL may point to a less favourable ratio, and raised triglycerides can relate to your diet or metabolism.

These markers are a snapshot and are usually interpreted alongside other data, such as your blood pressure, your weight and your family history. A doctor can help place the result in the right context.

For this test, blood is drawn at a certified sample point. There are 650+ locations across the Netherlands, which you choose yourself after ordering.

You do not need to see your GP first; you pick a location and a time that suit you. The draw is done by trained staff and usually takes only a few minutes.

This test can be useful when:

• you want a focused look at your cholesterol and triglyceride values
• cardiovascular conditions run in your family
• you have changed your diet and want to track the effect on your lipid profile
• you want a baseline value for a later comparison

Many people choose to buy a cholesterol test to measure periodically and keep an eye on their values over time.

Each marker appears with your value and a reference range. Values within that range generally fit a lipid profile within expected margins; values outside it may be worth discussing.

The ratio between HDL and LDL and the level of your triglycerides also add nuance. Your report includes an explanation for each marker, so you can understand every result in context. A doctor can interpret what it means for your situation.

Your results are available online within a few working days, with your values alongside the reference ranges and a clear explanation. If a value falls outside the expected range, this is highlighted.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.