Cholesterol (7 Biomarkers)
High cholesterol levels can cause your arteries to become blocked – leading to coronary heart disease, heart attack or stroke. Finding out about high levels of cholesterol can help you to make the positive lifestyle and dietary changes needed to improve your chances of a long and healthy life.
Total Cholesterol
Total Cholesterol is a measurement of the total amount of cholesterol in the blood, this includes low-density and high-density lipoprotein cholesterols. It is used to produce hormones for development, growth and reproduction. Total cholesterol tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL)
High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is a form of cholesterol which is classified as the ‘good’ cholesterol. Its main function is to help remove cholesterol from the heart’s arteries. HDL tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) is classified as the ‘bad’ cholesterol, this causes cholesterol build-up and blockage in the arteries. LDL tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.
Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio
Total Cholesterol: HDL Ratio is a calculation which indicates the ratio of ‘good’ cholesterol in terms of the total cholesterol in the body. HDL helps to remove cholesterol from the heart’s arteries. Total cholesterol: HDL ratio tests are used to estimate the risk of developing heart disease.
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Non-HDL Cholesterol is the number of total cholesterols without the high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the ‘good’ cholesterol. Non-HDL cholesterol tests are used to investigate the lipid profile during the estimation of the risk of developing heart disease.
Triglyceride
Triglyceride is a type of fat stored in the body’s tissues and can derive from foods such as butter and oil. Triglyceride tests are used to investigate the lipid profile during the estimation of the risk of developing heart disease.
HDL percentage
This is the percentage of Total Cholesterol that consists of High Density Lipoprotein (HDL), the ‘good’ cholesterol.
