56% of men and 61% of women in the UK have raised cholesterol levels
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, and while our bodies need cholesterol to function properly, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. High cholesterol levels often do not cause any symptoms, so it is important to have them checked through a blood test.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in the blood, and while our bodies need cholesterol to function properly, high levels of cholesterol can increase the risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular problems. High cholesterol levels often do not cause any symptoms, so it is important to have them checked through a blood test.
Our cholesterol test checks your:
Anyone can do a cholesterol test at home to check heart health, but you should check your cholesterol levels if you;
This is what our customers ask us most about this test. For more information, try our help centre.
What causes high cholesterol?
The main causes of high cholesterol in the UK are age, diet, lack of exercise and genetics – with around 40% of a person’s serum cholesterol levels being genetically driven.
High serum cholesterol, or hypercholesterolemia, is a really common problem amongst UK adults. In some individuals a gene causes very high levels of cholesterol (Familial Hypercholesterolemia), leading to increased frequency of strokes and heart attacks.
Other factors, such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can also lead to high cholesterol.
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney diseases, can also influence cholesterol levels. Lastly, hormonal changes, as seen in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and during menopause, may contribute to elevated cholesterol.
How can I lower my cholesterol levels?
Regular physical activity and a balanced diet are the most effective ways to reduce your risk of having high cholesterol.
The UK Department for health recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise each week.
Quitting smoking can also help to improve cholesterol levels. Similarly, limiting your alcohol intake can be helpful, too.
If lifestyle changes aren’t working, medication may be an option for you. Chat to your GP about the best options for you.
What foods cause high cholesterol?
Foods that are rich in saturated fats, these include red meat, full-fat dairy products, and trans fats in processed and fried foods can all cause high cholesterol levels.
Make sure to include plenty of sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts, in your diet. Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, which are high in soluble fibre which can help lower LDL cholesterol.
Who is a cholesterol test for?
Anyone can do a cholesterol test at home to check heart health, but you should check your cholesterol levels if you;
How soon will the test arrive?
If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.
When will I get my results?
We aim to deliver your results within 2 working days of your blood sample arriving at our lab.
How secure is my data?
We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn.
Can I have someone take my blood for me?
Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service.
A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample.
The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.
Does a doctor review my results?
We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.
Can I download the results to share with my GP?
Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP.
We are dedicated to supporting you on improving your health
Dr Thom Phillips
Clinical Lead
BSc. (Hons) MSc. MB BCh. MRCGP. Dip SEM. PGCert (Diabetes)
Renee McGregor
Nutrition Lead
BSc (hons) PGDIP (DIET) PGCERT(sportsnutr) RD BASES
Dr Michael Cornes
Scientific Officer
Consultant clinical scientist, FRCPath, BSc Biochemistry, MSc Clinical Biochemistry, PhD Biochemistry
Getting the insights you need to improve your health has never been easier.
No need to wait for a GP appointment, choose from our wide range of tests which come with everything you need to take your sample and return to our lab.
Take your finger prick blood sample at home, or choose to have your blood taken at a Superdrug health clinic or a nurse at home. Return to our NHS lab using our prepaid envelope.
View your results on your secure health dashboard within 2 working days of our lab receiving your sample. Read personalised comments from our GPs.
With more in-depth results, you will be able to identify areas that need improving. Make the changes and track your progress.
From hormones to nutrients, we offer 70+ different tests
We’ve helped over 50,000 people gain an understanding of their biological health
We’ve delivered over 550,000 scientific tests
Additional markers can be added by personalising this test
Biomarkers are specific compounds we can detect in your blood sample that reflect different things about your health. Your test will tell you your levels for each of the above biomarkers, and whether they are in a normal range.
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When you purchase this test subscription plan, we will automatically send you another test kit in a few months. Don’t worry – you have full control over when this will be, and you can change/cancel it anytime.
When you first purchase this test, you can choose your subscription options in the checkout. We do this, because we recommend taking multiple tests over time to track how your health markers change. You’ll be charged per test kit (rather than monthly, for example).
One test will show you what areas you need to focus on, continued testing will help you learn how your training, diet and lifestyle is impacting your health.
We recommend a follow up test 3 months after your first test, followed by a test every 6 months depending on your results, but its up to you!
Yes, you can tailor/customise subsequent tests (via your app) to focus on just the areas that need improving.
You can choose your preferred collection method when you checkout
You can do this test at home without the need for a doctor. We’ll send you everything you need to collect your sample and post it back to us. And it’s all included in the cost. We’ve put together a video that covers the process, making it easy to check and track your health from home.
We’ll arrange for a medical professional to visit your home and collect your sample. This is great if you’re unsure on how it all works or have trouble collecting a sample. No need to book a doctor’s appointment or visit a clinic, we’ll send you everything you need to collect a sample and post it back to our labs.
Once you’ve ordered your test, look out for an email from our phlebotomy partners containing information and a link to book your appointment. We’ll send you everything the clinic will need to complete the sample and post it back to our labs.
If none of the above options work for you, you can arrange your own medical professional to collect your sample. There is no additional charge for this. Once you’ve ordered your test, we’ll send you everything you and your chosen medical professional will need to collect a sample and post it back to our labs.
Still unsure how it works? You can find more information on collection methods and the service we provide in our ‘How it Works’ section.
No need to wait for a GP appointment, choose from our wide range of tests which come with everything you need to take your sample and return to our lab.
Take your finger prick blood sample at home, or choose to have your blood taken at a Superdrug health clinic or a nurse at home. Return to our NHS lab using our prepaid envelope.
View your results on your secure health dashboard within 2 working days of our lab receiving your sample. Read personalised comments from our GPs.
With more in-depth results, you will be able to identify areas that need improving. Make the changes and track your progress.