Lipid Profile (Cholesterol, ApoB and Lp(a))

A lipid profile assesses cholesterol and fat levels in the blood. It helps evaluate cardiovascular risk, metabolic health and the impact of lifestyle or treatment. Alongside traditional markers, advanced tests such as Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] provide additional information about long term heart and blood vessel health. Lipid testing is included in routine health checks, diabetes reviews and assessments of future cardiovascular risk.

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What a Lipid Profile Measures

A standard lipid panel includes:

Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides

These markers help assess how fats are processed and carried through the bloodstream.These ranges help identify early blood sugar problems and guide ongoing diabetes management.

Advanced markers

Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): reflects the number of cholesterol-carrying particles that can contribute to plaque development.
Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]: a genetically determined particle linked to increased long term cardiovascular risk.

ApoB and Lp(a) can provide more precise risk assessment than traditional cholesterol alone.

Why Lipid Profiles Are Used

A lipid profile helps identify:

Raised cholesterol
Increased cardiovascular risk
Familial hypercholesterolaemia
Metabolic concerns or insulin resistance
Effects of diet, exercise and weight changes
Response to cholesterol-lowering treatment
Genetic risk factors (particularly via Lp(a))

Testing is important for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease or a strong family history of heart disease.

Common Reasons to Have a Lipid Profile

This test may be arranged if you have:

Raised cholesterol on previous testing
Family history of early heart disease or stroke
Diabetes or pre-diabetes
High blood pressure
Weight gain or central weight distribution
Concerns about cardiovascular risk
Symptoms related to metabolic health
Lifestyle changes and want to track progress

Lipid profiling is also recommended in routine health checks for adults.

Understanding Lipid Patterns

Raised LDL cholesterol

Often linked to diet, genetics, reduced physical activity or metabolic changes.

Low HDL cholesterol

May be associated with reduced physical activity, smoking or metabolic concerns.

Raised triglycerides

Commonly linked to insulin resistance, alcohol intake, weight changes or recent meals.

Raised ApoB

Suggests increased numbers of cholesterol-carrying particles that can contribute to plaque formation. Helpful for assessing risk even when standard LDL appears normal.

Raised Lp(a)

Usually inherited. Levels remain stable throughout life. Higher levels may increase long term cardiovascular risk and inform preventive strategies.

Temporary fluctuations

Illness, recent meals, alcohol, exercise and some medicines can influence lipid markers.

How the Test Is Performed

A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. Some clinicians request fasting for lipid testing, although many modern panels do not require it. Your GP or clinician will advise if fasting is needed. Results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours.