What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) which is essential for healthy cellular metabolism. Cholesterol forms complexes with triglycerides, phospholipids and apolipoproteins to form lipoproteins, which transport fat and cholesterol around the body through lymph, blood and cerebrospinal fluid.

Different types of lipoprotein are formed depending on the apolipoproteins they are primarily made from, affecting how they are transported and processed by the body. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or ‘good cholesterol’ is responsible for removing cholesterol from the blood, taking it to the liver for processing. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or ‘bad cholesterol’ transports cholesterol to different tissues around the body, where it can cause fatty build-up in excessive quantities, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

While a balance of good and bad cholesterol is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism, excess LDL is associated with arterial plaque build-up and increased risk of coronary heart disease. it is generally considered beneficial to have a high HDL to LDL ratio to reduce this risk.

Why take the test?

This test measures cholesterol and triglyceride levels, along with the ratio of good and bad cholesterol. It is typically used as an indicator of cardiovascular health and risk of heart disease.