Blood Testing · Coming Soon
Cholesterol &
Lipids Panel
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the UK — and elevated cholesterol is one of the most modifiable risk factors. A private lipids panel goes beyond total cholesterol to give you the full picture: LDL, HDL, triglycerides, and ApoB, reviewed by a licensed clinician. Coming soon to The GP Service.
Licensed UK clinicians
Results within 24 hours
Clinician-reviewed results
Overview
What Is a Cholesterol & Lipids Panel?
A cholesterol and lipids panel is a blood test that measures the fats circulating in your bloodstream — their type, concentration, and the balance between them. It is one of the most important tests for assessing your long-term cardiovascular risk, providing information that a total cholesterol figure alone simply cannot.
Cholesterol itself is not inherently harmful — it is an essential molecule involved in cell membrane structure, hormone production, and vitamin D synthesis. The problem arises when certain types of cholesterol-carrying particles accumulate in the walls of arteries, forming plaques that narrow blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. The key distinction is not just how much cholesterol you have, but what is carrying it — and in what direction.
LDL cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) is the primary atherogenic fraction — the particles most associated with plaque formation. HDL cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) is generally protective, transporting cholesterol away from arterial walls and back to the liver. Triglycerides — a separate type of blood fat — add further cardiovascular risk, particularly when elevated alongside low HDL. And ApoB (apolipoprotein B), increasingly recognised as the most accurate single marker of cardiovascular risk, measures the total number of atherogenic particles directly — capturing what LDL alone can miss.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the UK, accounting for around 160,000 deaths per year. Dyslipidaemia — abnormal lipid levels — is one of the most common and most modifiable contributing factors. In many people, it is entirely asymptomatic until a cardiac event occurs. Testing is the only way to know.
Coming Soon to The GP Service
We are launching a private Cholesterol & Lipids Panel shortly — including full lipid profile, ApoB, and optional extended cardiometabolic markers. Every result will be reviewed by a licensed clinician with a plain-English explanation of your cardiovascular risk picture and clear guidance on next steps. Register above to be notified as soon as it goes live.
What Gets Measured
What Does a Lipids Panel Include?
Our panels will range from a standard lipid profile to a comprehensive cardiometabolic assessment. Here is what each marker tells you — and why it matters.
LDL Cholesterol
Optimal: <3.0 · Borderline: 3.0–4.9 · High: ≥5.0
Low-density lipoprotein — the primary driver of atherosclerosis. LDL particles deposit cholesterol into arterial walls, forming plaques. It is the main target of statin therapy and the most commonly used marker for cardiovascular risk management in UK clinical practice.
Low-density lipoprotein — the primary driver of atherosclerosis. LDL particles deposit cholesterol into arterial walls, forming plaques. It is the main target of statin therapy and the most commonly used marker for cardiovascular risk management in UK clinical practice.
mmol/L
HDL Cholesterol
Optimal: >1.2 (women) · >1.0 (men)
High-density lipoprotein — the protective fraction. HDL particles transport cholesterol away from arterial walls to the liver for disposal. Low HDL is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, particularly in combination with elevated triglycerides and a large waist circumference.
High-density lipoprotein — the protective fraction. HDL particles transport cholesterol away from arterial walls to the liver for disposal. Low HDL is an independent cardiovascular risk factor, particularly in combination with elevated triglycerides and a large waist circumference.
mmol/L
Total Cholesterol
Desirable: <5.0 mmol/L
The sum of all cholesterol-carrying fractions. Used in cardiovascular risk calculators such as QRISK3 alongside other factors. A useful screening marker, but limited in isolation — a high total cholesterol driven mainly by high HDL carries very different risk to one driven by high LDL.
The sum of all cholesterol-carrying fractions. Used in cardiovascular risk calculators such as QRISK3 alongside other factors. A useful screening marker, but limited in isolation — a high total cholesterol driven mainly by high HDL carries very different risk to one driven by high LDL.
mmol/L
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Optimal: <3.8 mmol/L
Total cholesterol minus HDL — captures all atherogenic fractions including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a). Considered a more reliable risk marker than LDL alone in people with high triglycerides or metabolic syndrome, as it does not rely on the Friedewald equation for calculation.
Total cholesterol minus HDL — captures all atherogenic fractions including LDL, VLDL, IDL, and Lp(a). Considered a more reliable risk marker than LDL alone in people with high triglycerides or metabolic syndrome, as it does not rely on the Friedewald equation for calculation.
mmol/L
Triglycerides
Normal: <1.7 · Borderline: 1.7–5.6 · High: >5.6
Blood fats derived primarily from dietary carbohydrates and alcohol, and from excess caloric intake stored as fat. Elevated triglycerides are associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk — particularly when combined with low HDL. Significantly affected by recent food intake; fasting samples give the most reliable result.
Blood fats derived primarily from dietary carbohydrates and alcohol, and from excess caloric intake stored as fat. Elevated triglycerides are associated with insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular risk — particularly when combined with low HDL. Significantly affected by recent food intake; fasting samples give the most reliable result.
mmol/L
ApoB
Optimal: <0.7 · Borderline: 0.7–1.0 · High: >1.0
Apolipoprotein B — one protein is present on every atherogenic lipoprotein particle (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a)). ApoB therefore directly measures the total number of particles capable of entering arterial walls, not just the cholesterol they contain. Increasingly regarded as the most accurate single marker of cardiovascular risk — particularly important in people with normal LDL but elevated particle count.
Apolipoprotein B — one protein is present on every atherogenic lipoprotein particle (LDL, VLDL, IDL, Lp(a)). ApoB therefore directly measures the total number of particles capable of entering arterial walls, not just the cholesterol they contain. Increasingly regarded as the most accurate single marker of cardiovascular risk — particularly important in people with normal LDL but elevated particle count.
g/L
TC:HDL Ratio
Optimal: <4.0 · Increased risk: >6.0
Total cholesterol divided by HDL — a summary measure of the balance between atherogenic and protective fractions. Used in QRISK3 cardiovascular risk scoring and provides a quick read on whether the overall cholesterol balance is favourable or not.
Total cholesterol divided by HDL — a summary measure of the balance between atherogenic and protective fractions. Used in QRISK3 cardiovascular risk scoring and provides a quick read on whether the overall cholesterol balance is favourable or not.
Ratio
Lp(a)
Desirable: <75 nmol/L
Lipoprotein(a) — a genetically determined lipoprotein particle that carries additional cardiovascular and thrombotic risk independent of LDL. Around 1 in 5 people carry elevated Lp(a) without knowing it. It does not respond meaningfully to statins or lifestyle change, making identification important for specialist management. Included in extended panels.
Lipoprotein(a) — a genetically determined lipoprotein particle that carries additional cardiovascular and thrombotic risk independent of LDL. Around 1 in 5 people carry elevated Lp(a) without knowing it. It does not respond meaningfully to statins or lifestyle change, making identification important for specialist management. Included in extended panels.
nmol/L
Why Total Cholesterol Alone Is Not Enough
A total cholesterol of 6.0 mmol/L in someone with high HDL, low triglycerides, and low ApoB carries very different risk to the same number in someone with low HDL, elevated triglycerides, and a high ApoB. The pattern across the full panel — and the context of age, blood pressure, smoking status, and family history — is what determines actual risk. When we launch this service, every result is interpreted in that full context, not just compared to a single threshold.
Indications
When Should You Get a Lipids Panel?
Because dyslipidaemia is typically asymptomatic — you cannot feel high cholesterol — testing is the only way to know your status. It is appropriate both as proactive cardiovascular health monitoring and in response to specific risk factors or clinical concerns.
Family History
A first-degree relative with premature cardiovascular disease (heart attack or stroke before age 60 in a man, 65 in a woman) or a confirmed diagnosis of familial hypercholesterolaemia significantly increases your own risk and warrants earlier, more thorough testing.
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
If you want to know your overall 10-year risk of a heart attack or stroke, a full lipid panel is an essential component. Combined with age, blood pressure, smoking status, and diabetes status, it feeds into validated risk calculators such as QRISK3.
Monitoring Statin Therapy
If you are on a statin or other lipid-lowering medication, regular lipid panels are essential to confirm your LDL and ApoB are reaching target and to monitor liver function and muscle markers where indicated.
Metabolic Syndrome or Obesity
Excess abdominal adiposity, insulin resistance, hypertension, and elevated blood sugar frequently cluster with a dyslipidaemia pattern — low HDL, elevated triglycerides, and small dense LDL particles. A full panel gives the complete picture.
Routine Health Screening
NHS guidelines recommend cholesterol testing from age 40 as part of a cardiovascular health check (NHS Health Check). Private testing gives faster access, a more comprehensive panel, and direct clinician interpretation.
Dietary or Lifestyle Concerns
Significant changes in diet — including very high fat, high refined carbohydrate, or extreme caloric surplus — can substantially alter your lipid profile. Testing before and after gives an objective measure of impact.
Post-Pregnancy or Hormonal Changes
Lipid profiles change significantly during and after pregnancy, with the menopause transition, and in response to hormonal contraception or HRT. Testing helps identify any adverse lipid shift in these periods.
Known Cardiovascular Disease
After a heart attack, stroke, or diagnosis of angina or peripheral arterial disease, achieving and maintaining LDL and ApoB targets is a primary goal of secondary prevention. Regular lipid testing is part of ongoing management.
Suspected Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
FH is a genetic condition causing very high LDL from birth, affecting approximately 1 in 250 people. A lipid panel is the first step in identifying it — with LDL typically above 5.0 mmol/L even in those with healthy lifestyles.
The Process
What's Involved in Getting a Lipids Panel
A lipids panel requires only a small blood draw. Fasting is recommended for the most accurate triglyceride measurement. Here is what the process will look like end to end when we launch.
1
Book Your Test
Choose your panel and book a convenient phlebotomy appointment — no GP referral needed.
Choose a convenient phlebotomy location
Or request a home visit blood draw
Fast for 10–12 hours beforehand for the most accurate triglyceride reading
2
Give Your Sample
A simple venous blood draw — typically under 5 minutes.
Water is always fine before your test
Avoid alcohol for 24 hours before testing
Processed by an accredited UK laboratory
3
Review with a Clinician
Your results are reviewed by a licensed clinician — not just sent as a data file.
Plain-English explanation of each marker
Overall cardiovascular risk assessment
Medication or lifestyle guidance arranged where needed
Launching Shortly
We are finalising our laboratory partnerships and clinical workflow for the Cholesterol & Lipids Panel. We expect to launch within the coming weeks. Register at the top of this page to be notified as soon as it is available — early registrants will receive priority access.
Interpreting Results
What Do Your Lipid Results Mean?
Individual lipid values are meaningful — but cardiovascular risk is determined by the pattern across the full panel, combined with other risk factors. Here are the most clinically important patterns and what they typically indicate.
Pattern
What It Suggests
Common Causes
High LDL + high ApoB
Elevated atherogenic particle burden — primary cardiovascular risk
Dietary modification, statin consideration, QRISK3 assessment, rule out familial hypercholesterolaemia
Normal LDL + high ApoB
Discordance — elevated particle number despite normal LDL concentration
ApoB is likely the more accurate risk marker here; clinical decision based on full risk profile
High triglycerides + low HDL
Atherogenic dyslipidaemia — closely associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome
Assess for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), dietary and lifestyle intervention, consider fibrates if severe
Very high triglycerides (>10 mmol/L)
Severe hypertriglyceridaemia — risk of pancreatitis
Urgent dietary modification, alcohol cessation, specialist referral, assess for secondary causes
High LDL from young age / very high LDL
Possible familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH)
Simon Broome or Dutch Lipid Clinic scoring, genetic testing consideration, specialist referral
High Lp(a) + otherwise normal panel
Elevated genetic cardiovascular and thrombotic risk independent of LDL
More aggressive LDL/ApoB targets, aspirin consideration, specialist lipid clinic referral
Low HDL in isolation
Modest independent cardiovascular risk, associated with metabolic syndrome
Lifestyle modification — exercise most effective intervention; assess alongside triglycerides and waist circumference
Lipid Values Fluctuate — Context Matters
Triglycerides are highly sensitive to recent diet, alcohol intake, and fasting status. LDL can be transiently low during acute illness or significant weight loss. A single result should be interpreted alongside your clinical history, lifestyle, and ideally compared to a previous result. Our clinicians will flag any factors that might affect the reliability of your values and advise on whether repeat testing is appropriate.
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia
Could You Have Familial Hypercholesterolaemia?
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a common but underdiagnosed inherited condition in which LDL cholesterol is dramatically elevated from birth — not due to lifestyle, but due to a genetic defect in LDL receptor function. It affects approximately 1 in 250 people in the UK, meaning around 270,000 people have it — yet fewer than 10% have been diagnosed.
People with FH have LDL levels that lifestyle changes alone cannot meaningfully control. Without treatment, they are at significantly elevated lifetime risk of premature cardiovascular disease — including heart attacks in their 30s and 40s. Statin therapy started early dramatically reduces that risk, but only if the diagnosis has been made.
People with FH have LDL levels that lifestyle changes alone cannot meaningfully control. Without treatment, they are at significantly elevated lifetime risk of premature cardiovascular disease — including heart attacks in their 30s and 40s. Statin therapy started early dramatically reduces that risk, but only if the diagnosis has been made.
LDL typically >5.0 mmol/L
Family history of early heart disease
Tendon xanthomata
Corneal arcus under age 45
Autosomal dominant inheritance
Simon Broome criteria
Genetic testing available
Responds well to statins
Already on a Statin or Concerned About Your Cholesterol?
You do not need to wait for our lipids panel to launch if you need a statin prescription reviewed, a dose adjusted, or simply want to discuss your cardiovascular risk. Our clinicians can help today as part of a general health consultation. Book a consultation
Why The GP Service
What Will Make Our Lipids Panel Different
A basic cholesterol check from a high-street pharmacy gives you a total cholesterol figure and little else. We are building something meaningfully more useful — a comprehensive lipid profile with the clinical interpretation it deserves.
Every result reviewed by a licensed clinician
Your lipid panel will not be posted to you as a PDF of numbers. A licensed UK clinician will review the full picture — including the pattern across your panel and what it means for your cardiovascular risk — before your results reach you.
ApoB included as standard in full panels
Most private and NHS lipid panels do not include ApoB. We will. It is the most accurate single marker of atherogenic particle burden — and it catches elevated risk that LDL alone misses in a significant proportion of people.
Cardiovascular risk in plain English
We will explain what your results mean for your 10-year cardiovascular risk — not just whether individual numbers are inside or outside a reference range. Knowing your absolute risk is what enables informed decisions about treatment.
Statins and treatment prescribed same day
If your results and overall risk profile indicate that a statin or other lipid-lowering medication is appropriate, our clinicians can prescribe in the same consultation — no second appointment, no waiting room.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia screening
If your LDL or family history raises concern about FH, we will apply recognised diagnostic criteria and arrange specialist referral where appropriate — not just note the abnormal value and move on.
Joined up with your NHS care
We share results and clinical notes with your NHS GP where you consent — particularly valuable for cardiovascular risk management that benefits from continuity across primary and secondary care.
Our Clinical Approach
How We Will Approach Your Lipid Results
An elevated LDL or ApoB is the beginning of a risk conversation, not the end of one. Here is what the process will look like from booking to any onward management being arranged.
You book and select your panel
Choose from a standard lipid profile or a comprehensive panel including ApoB and Lp(a). Book a phlebotomy appointment online. We will advise you to fast for 10–12 hours beforehand for the most accurate triglyceride and fasting glucose reading. Water is always fine.
Laboratory analysis — results within 24–48 hours
Your sample is processed by a CQC-registered UK laboratory. LDL, HDL, total cholesterol, non-HDL, triglycerides, ApoB (and any other markers in your panel) are analysed and passed to your reviewing clinician.
Clinician calculates your cardiovascular risk
A licensed clinician reviews your lipid values in context — alongside your age, sex, blood pressure, smoking status, family history, and any other relevant clinical information — to calculate an overall cardiovascular risk picture, not just a set of individual numbers.
You receive a plain-English results summary
Your results are returned with a written explanation of every significant value. Normal results are confirmed clearly. Elevated values are explained — what they mean, how significant they are, and what the evidence-based options are for addressing them.
Treatment and lifestyle guidance arranged where needed
If your results indicate that a statin, ezetimibe, dietary modification, or specialist referral is appropriate, we arrange it directly in the same consultation. You will not be given a number and left to navigate the next step alone.
Results shared with your NHS GP
With your consent, your results and the associated clinical note are shared with your NHS GP. For cardiovascular risk management, continuity of records between private and NHS care is particularly important, and we facilitate this as standard.
What If I Already Have Lipid Results I Don't Understand?
You do not need to wait for our panel to launch if you already have cholesterol results from your GP or a previous private test. Our clinicians can discuss existing results and advise on what they mean and what, if anything, should happen next — as part of a general health consultation, available now. Book a consultation
In the Meantime
What to Do While the Service Launches
If you have concerns about your cardiovascular risk or cholesterol right now, you do not have to wait. Several routes are available through The GP Service today.
Book a General Health Consultation
A licensed clinician can assess your cardiovascular risk factors today and arrange a private lipid panel referral — including ApoB and Lp(a) — if clinically indicated.
Get Existing Results Reviewed
Already have cholesterol results from your GP but unsure what they mean or what to do next? Book a consultation now to have a clinician interpret them and advise on treatment options.
Statin Prescription or Review
If you need a statin started, your dose adjusted, or you are experiencing side effects on your current medication, our clinicians can help today — including arranging repeat testing to guide any changes.
Request a Private Blood Test Referral
Our clinicians can issue a private laboratory referral for a full lipid panel — including ApoB and Lp(a) — today, without waiting for the full service to launch.
Register for Early Access
Leave your details at the top of this page and we will notify you the moment our Cholesterol & Lipids Panel goes live — including any introductory pricing for early registrants.
Cholesterol & Lipids Panel — coming to The GP Service soon.
Register now and be the first to know when we launch. Our lipids panel will include LDL, HDL, triglycerides, non-HDL, ApoB, and optional Lp(a) — with a clinician-reviewed cardiovascular risk assessment and clear guidance on what to do next.
Register for Early Access
Full lipid profile including ApoB
Results within 24–48 hours
Clinician-reviewed — not just a data file
Secure & confidentiaL
Licensed UK clinicians
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a cholesterol and lipids panel measure?
A full lipid panel measures total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (the primary atherogenic fraction), HDL cholesterol (the protective fraction), non-HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Extended panels add ApoB — which measures the total number of atherogenic lipoprotein particles and is increasingly regarded as the most accurate single marker of cardiovascular risk — as well as Lp(a), a genetically determined lipoprotein that carries additional risk independent of LDL. Together these values give a comprehensive picture that a total cholesterol figure alone simply cannot.
Do I need to fast before a cholesterol test?
Current UK guidelines permit non-fasting lipid samples for initial cardiovascular risk screening, and LDL, HDL, and total cholesterol are relatively stable in the non-fasted state. However, triglycerides are significantly affected by recent food intake — a non-fasting sample can overestimate triglycerides substantially. If your panel includes triglycerides (which ours does), we recommend fasting for 10–12 hours beforehand for the most accurate result. Water is always fine. We also advise avoiding alcohol for 24 hours prior to testing.
What is ApoB and why does it matter?
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) is a protein present on every atherogenic lipoprotein particle — one molecule per particle, regardless of how much cholesterol that particle carries. This means ApoB directly measures the total number of particles capable of entering arterial walls, rather than the amount of cholesterol they contain. This distinction matters because a significant proportion of people have a normal LDL concentration but an elevated particle count — a pattern called LDL discordance. These individuals have meaningfully higher cardiovascular risk than their LDL alone would suggest, and it is only visible with ApoB. Most NHS and basic private lipid panels do not include ApoB; ours will.
What is Lp(a) and should I be tested for it?
Lipoprotein(a) — pronounced "L-P-little-a" — is a genetically determined lipoprotein particle that carries cardiovascular and thrombotic risk independently of LDL. Around 1 in 5 people have elevated Lp(a), and most have no idea. Unlike LDL, Lp(a) does not respond meaningfully to statins or lifestyle changes — which makes identifying it important, because the clinical management strategy is different. If your Lp(a) is elevated, your clinician will apply more aggressive LDL and ApoB targets and discuss specialist management options. Lp(a) only needs to be measured once in most people, as it is largely stable throughout life.
My total cholesterol is high — should I be worried?
Not necessarily — and this is precisely why total cholesterol alone is insufficient as a risk marker. A high total cholesterol driven predominantly by high HDL, with a low LDL, low ApoB, and low triglycerides, carries very different risk to the same number driven by high LDL and low HDL. The pattern across the full panel — interpreted alongside your age, blood pressure, family history, and other risk factors — is what determines your actual cardiovascular risk. This is what our clinician review will assess.
What is familial hypercholesterolaemia and could I have it?
Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an inherited condition affecting around 1 in 250 people in the UK, in which a genetic defect in LDL receptor function causes very high LDL cholesterol from birth — typically above 5.0 mmol/L even in people with a healthy diet and active lifestyle. It is significantly underdiagnosed: fewer than 10% of those affected know they have it. FH substantially increases lifetime cardiovascular risk, but responds well to statin therapy started early. If your LDL is significantly elevated and you have a family history of premature heart disease, we will apply recognised FH diagnostic criteria and arrange specialist referral where appropriate.
What happens if my results show elevated cholesterol?
All results are reviewed by a licensed clinician before being returned to you. If your LDL, ApoB, or overall cardiovascular risk picture is elevated, your clinician will explain clearly what the finding means, what your evidence-based options are — dietary modification, a statin, or another lipid-lowering medication — and arrange whichever is appropriate in the same consultation. If your results raise concern about familial hypercholesterolaemia or if Lp(a) is significantly elevated, specialist referral will be arranged. You will never receive an abnormal result without a clear clinical plan.
Can I get a statin prescription without seeing a GP first?
Yes — when this service launches, if your lipid results and overall cardiovascular risk assessment indicate that a statin is clinically appropriate, our licensed clinicians can issue a private prescription in the same consultation. We follow current NICE guidance on cardiovascular risk thresholds and statin indication. If you are already on a statin and need your prescription renewed, your dose reviewed, or side effects assessed, we can also help with that directly.
How often should I get my cholesterol tested?
For someone with no known lipid abnormality or cardiovascular risk factors, testing every 3–5 years from age 40 is a reasonable starting point. For those on lipid-lowering medication, most guidelines recommend retesting 3 months after starting or adjusting treatment to confirm the desired effect, then annually once stable. Those with FH, known cardiovascular disease, or significantly elevated risk should follow a more frequent schedule agreed with their clinician. We will advise on your optimal monitoring interval based on your individual results and risk profile.
When is this service launching?
We expect to launch our private Cholesterol & Lipids Panel shortly. Register at the top of this page to be notified as soon as it goes live. Early registrants will receive priority access and will be informed of any introductory pricing before it is made public.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this page. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 999 or your local emergency services immediately.