Why take a cholesterol test?

A cholesterol test is important because elevated cholesterol levels can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. By checking your cholesterol regularly, you can take action in good time, for example by adjusting your lifestyle or, if necessary, using medication to lower your cholesterol. It is a simple and effective way to actively monitor your health.

What does a cholesterol test involve?

A cholesterol test is an accessible way to gain insight into the levels of fats in your blood. The test measures four important markers:

• Total cholesterol
• LDL cholesterol (the “bad” type)
• HDL cholesterol (the “good” type)
• Triglycerides (fats in your blood)

This home test is based on a finger prick and can be performed from the comfort of your own home.

What is included in the cholesterol test kit?

The cholesterol test kit contains everything you need to safely and reliably collect a blood sample.
You then send your blood sample to a certified laboratory for analysis.

How do you perform a cholesterol test?

Performing the test is simple:

• Clean your finger with an alcohol wipe.
• Use a lancet to collect a few drops of blood.
• Collect the blood in the tube according to the instructions.
• Carefully package the sample in the transport bag.
• Return everything using the prepaid return envelope.

Once the laboratory has analysed your sample, you will receive your results securely and quickly via your personal online dashboard. This gives you fast and reliable insight into your cholesterol levels, without any hassle.

Common symptoms of high cholesterol

High cholesterol usually does not cause any direct or noticeable symptoms. It is therefore often discovered by chance during a routine blood test. However, persistently elevated cholesterol can lead to a build-up of plaque in the blood vessels (atherosclerosis), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. In that case, symptoms may occur, such as:

• Chest pain, pressure or a tight feeling (angina)
• Dizziness or feeling light-headed
• Difficulty speaking or sudden confusion (possible signs of a stroke)
• Pain or cramping in the lower legs when walking (intermittent claudication)

Because these symptoms usually only occur at a later stage, it is important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly, especially if cardiovascular disease runs in your family or you have other risk factors.

Understanding cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by your liver and found in every cell of your body. There are two main types of cholesterol:

• HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – often referred to as “good” cholesterol
• LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – known as “bad” cholesterol

A total cholesterol level above 6.5 mmol/L is considered elevated and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

LDL – “Bad” cholesterol

LDL transports cholesterol through the blood to your cells. If there is too much LDL in your blood, it can build up in the artery walls. This creates cholesterol plaques that can narrow or even block the blood vessels. This increases the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks and strokes.

Factors that can contribute to elevated LDL levels include:

• Unhealthy diet
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• Being overweight or other lifestyle factors

It is therefore important to keep your LDL level under control.

HDL – “Good” cholesterol

HDL helps remove excess cholesterol from your blood vessels and transport it back to the liver, where it is broken down. A higher HDL level is generally beneficial, as it is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease.

You can increase your HDL by:

• Exercising regularly
• Eating a healthy, fibre-rich diet
• Not smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight

HDL/total cholesterol ratio

The ratio between HDL and total cholesterol provides additional insight into your risk of cardiovascular disease. A higher percentage of HDL relative to your total cholesterol generally indicates better protection for your heart.

Understanding triglycerides

Triglycerides are another type of fat in your blood and serve as an energy source. If you regularly consume more calories than you use, your triglyceride levels can increase. Combined with high LDL and low HDL levels, this can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Healthy lifestyle choices such as a balanced diet, reducing sugar intake, getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy weight can help keep your triglyceride levels at a healthy level.

Tips for lowering elevated cholesterol

A healthy cholesterol level is important for a healthy heart and strong blood vessels. The following tips can help lower your cholesterol naturally:

• Limit your alcohol intake to no more than one drink per day.
• Avoid saturated fats, such as those found in fatty meat, full-fat dairy products and fried foods.
• Stop smoking – this has a direct positive effect on your cholesterol levels and heart health.
• Exercise regularly, preferably for at least 30 minutes a day. Consider walking, cycling or swimming.
• Limit your salt intake to help keep your blood pressure under control.
• Choose a healthy and varied diet rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts and healthy fats such as olive oil or oily fish.

What are healthy cholesterol levels?

The following target values apply to adults:

• Total cholesterol should be below 6.5 mmol/L.
• For men, HDL cholesterol (the “good” type) should be above 0.91 mmol/L.
• For women, the target HDL level is higher: above 1.17 mmol/L.
• LDL cholesterol (the “bad” type) should be below 3.37 mmol/L for everyone.
• Triglyceride levels should remain below 2.28 mmol/L for both men and women.

Test results provide a snapshot in time and can be influenced by factors such as diet, lifestyle, medication and the time of sample collection. Abnormal values do not automatically mean that you have a medical condition. If your values differ from these ranges, discuss them with your doctor or healthcare provider to determine the appropriate next steps together.