Cholesterol
Cholesterol and triglyceride measurements help assess cardiovascular risk. Raised levels can contribute to narrowing or blockage of the arteries and can guide appropriate lifestyle, dietary or clinical follow-up.
HDL percentage
HDL percentage shows how much of the total cholesterol is carried in HDL particles. A higher proportion is generally considered more favourable when assessing cardiovascular risk.
HDL cholesterol
HDL is often called “good” cholesterol because it helps transport cholesterol away from tissues and back to the liver. Higher HDL levels are generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk, although the whole lipid profile matters.
LDL cholesterol
LDL carries cholesterol to tissues and can contribute to plaque build-up in arteries when levels are high. It is a key marker used when assessing cardiovascular risk.
Non-HDL cholesterol
Non-HDL cholesterol represents all cholesterol carried in particles other than HDL. It provides a useful estimate of cholesterol contained in potentially atherogenic particles.
Total cholesterol
Total cholesterol measures the overall amount of cholesterol carried in the blood. It is interpreted alongside HDL, LDL, triglycerides and other risk factors rather than on its own.
Total cholesterol : HDL ratio
This ratio compares total cholesterol with HDL cholesterol. It is one way of summarising the balance between overall cholesterol and the HDL fraction when assessing cardiovascular risk.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are fats carried in the blood and used for energy. High levels can be associated with increased cardiovascular and metabolic risk and may be influenced by diet, alcohol, weight and diabetes.
