What should you know about private cholesterol testing?

A lipid profile commonly includes total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, non-HDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The result is not a diagnosis by itself. Age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, kidney health, family history and previous cardiovascular disease can change what a result means.

Some services may give a result without a full risk assessment. Ask whether the sample needs fasting, how medicines may affect it, and whether a clinician will interpret the findings rather than leaving you to compare numbers with an online range.

Share the report with your GP or another qualified clinician, especially if you take medicines or have a long-term condition. Depending on your overall risk, the next step may involve food choices, activity, smoking support, repeat testing or a discussion of Statin Therapy.

Keep the date and details of the sample with the report. Do not stop prescribed treatment because of a private result; ask the prescriber whether any change is appropriate.

Cholesterol itself usually causes no immediate warning symptom. Seek emergency care for chest pressure or pain, sudden breathlessness, fainting, or sudden weakness, facial drooping or difficulty speaking. These symptoms need prompt assessment regardless of a cholesterol result.

Ask which parts of the lipid profile matter for you, whether your family history changes the assessment, when testing should be repeated, and whether lifestyle support or medication should be considered.