What is VLDL?

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. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) are considered ‘bad cholesterol’ as they transport triglyceride fats to tissues around the body where it can cause fatty build-up in excessive quantities, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) or ‘good cholesterol’ is responsible for removing cholesterol from the blood, taking it to the liver for processing While a balance of lipoproteins is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism, excess VLDL is associated with arterial plaque build-up and increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Why take the test?

This test measures the different subfractions of VLDL in the body. It is used to give detailed information on the cholesterol level in the body as a measure of the risk of cardiovascular disease.