Description
Cholesterol contributes to cardiovascular risk silently, over years. Knowing your numbers is the starting point for doing anything about it.
What this test measures
Total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, triglycerides and the total-to-HDL ratio.
Who it is for
- A family history of early heart disease or stroke
- High blood pressure, diabetes, or a raised BMI
- Current or former smokers
- Anyone over 40 wanting a baseline
- Tracking the effect of a diet change or medication
Preparing for your test
Fast for 10 to 12 hours, water only. Triglycerides in particular are strongly affected by recent food. Avoid alcohol for 24 hours beforehand.
Worth knowing
Cholesterol is one input into cardiovascular risk, not the whole picture. Blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, family history, weight and activity all matter, and your GP will interpret your numbers in that context rather than in isolation.
What happens next
Once the laboratory reports, a GP registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your result alongside the information you gave us and explains what it means in plain English. GP review is included in the price — we do not release raw numbers without interpretation.
Important limitations
This is a screening test, not a diagnosis. A result in range does not rule out every cause of a symptom, and a result out of range does not by itself confirm a condition. If you feel unwell, see a doctor in person regardless of what this test shows. This service is not for emergencies — call 112 or 999 if you are seriously unwell.
