Advanced Heart Health Test (ApoB, Cholesterol, LDL, HDL, Triglycerides)
Biomarkers
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Apolipoprotein B (ApoB)
Think of ApoB as a particle counter for your arteries. While standard cholesterol tests measure how much cholesterol is in your blood, ApoB counts the actual number of atherogenic particles carrying it, which is what really matters for heart health. Scientifically, ApoB is the structural protein that forms the outer shell of every atherogenic lipoprotein particle in the bloodstream, including LDL, VLDL, and IDL. Because each particle carries exactly one ApoB molecule, it gives a precise count of total circulating particles rather than simply estimating their cholesterol content. Two people can have identical LDL readings yet carry very different particle numbers, and it is particle number that drives plaque accumulation in artery walls. The European Society of Cardiology now recognises ApoB as a superior marker of cardiovascular risk, particularly in people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or those on statins whose LDL may appear controlled while particle burden remains elevated.
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Total Cholesterol
A measure of all the cholesterol in your blood, including both good and bad types. It gives an overall indication of cardiovascular risk but is most meaningful when broken down into its components.
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LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
Often called bad cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol to the arteries where it can build up as plaque. High levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
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HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
Known as good cholesterol, HDL carries excess cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for removal. Higher levels are generally protective against heart disease.
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Triglycerides
A type of fat found in the blood, triglycerides are stored as energy but elevated levels, particularly after eating, are linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Levels rise significantly after fatty or high-carbohydrate meals.
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Non-HDL Cholesterol
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are at-home cortisol tests accurate?
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Yes. While you collect the sample at home, the analysis is performed in exactly the same way as a sample taken in a hospital. Your blood is processed in our CQC-regulated UK laboratory using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment to ensure clinical-grade accuracy.
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If my cholesterol is high, will I need medication?
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Doctors calculate a QRisk score to estimate your 10-year heart attack or stroke risk. Medication is advised if your QRisk is greater than 10%; otherwise, lifestyle changes are implemented first.
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What lifestyle changes help lower cholesterol?
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Eat a heart-healthy diet, exercise regularly, and maintain a healthy weight. These steps improve LDL, HDL, and triglycerides without medication.
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What is the difference between total cholesterol and LDL/HDL?
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Total cholesterol is all blood cholesterol combined. LDL (“bad”) forms plaque, whereas HDL (“good”) removes cholesterol from the blood.
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What is ApoB and why does it matter?
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Think of ApoB as a particle counter for your arteries. While standard cholesterol tests measure how much cholesterol is in your blood, ApoB counts the actual number of atherogenic particles carrying it, which is what really matters for heart health. Scientifically, ApoB is the structural protein that forms the outer shell of every atherogenic lipoprotein particle in the bloodstream, including LDL, VLDL, and IDL. Because each particle carries exactly one ApoB molecule, it gives a precise count of total circulating particles rather than simply estimating their cholesterol content. Two people can have identical LDL readings yet carry very different particle numbers, and it is particle number that drives plaque accumulation in artery walls. The European Society of Cardiology now recognises ApoB as a superior marker of cardiovascular risk, particularly in people with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or those on statins whose LDL may appear controlled while particle burden remains elevated.
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Total Cholesterol to HDL Ratio
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Turnaround Time
TURNAROUND TIME
THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEED TURNAROUND TIME.
We are extremely proud of our very short turnaround times and a very efficient laboratory processes, you will start receiving results as soon as they are available and have completed clinical validation.
Whilst we accommodate the shortest of time scales, with some results available within hours, for this particular test the usual turnaround time is: 1-2 working days.
Test Preparation
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Lipid Profile
We recommend fasting for 10 to 12 hours before your test, taking water only, as this reflects your baseline triglyceride level rather than a temporary post-meal spike. Some GPs do not require fasting; however, avoid fatty meals for at least 6 hours before collection. High-fat foods can cause lipaemia, a condition where excess fat particles enter the bloodstream, making the sample appear cloudy or milky. This cloudiness can interfere with the laboratory's optical analysis equipment, producing unreliable results or causing the sample to be rejected entirely, requiring you to repeat the test.
If you have previously been told you have high triglycerides, or your doctor has specifically requested a fasting lipid profile, you should fast for 10–12 hours before collection, taking only water during this period.
Symptom Check
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High Cholesterol Symptoms
Most people have no symptoms, so routine blood testing is essential. Rare warning signs include chest pain, fatigue (heart disease), severe abdominal pain (pancreatitis), or yellowish skin deposits (xanthomas). Lifestyle changes and medication can reduce long-term risks even if you feel well.
Result Report
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Result Report (in-use)
The final report provides a comprehensive breakdown of your biomarkers, displaying your specific levels alongside standard UK reference ranges to show exactly where you fall on the spectrum. Beyond just the raw numbers, the report includes a brief commentary.
View your results in a clear, easy-to-understand format with charts and reference ranges. If you repeat the same biomarkers with us, your report includes historical comparisons to help track changes, trends, and progress over time.
Our Advanced Cholesterol & Cardiovascular Risk Blood Test goes beyond a standard lipid profile by adding Apolipoprotein B (ApoB), one of the most powerful and clinically recognised markers of cardiovascular risk available. Analysed in our own CQC-regulated London laboratory, results are returned within 24 to 48 hours of sample receipt.
What is ApoB and why does it matter?
Apolipoprotein B is the protein that coats every atherogenic particle in the bloodstream, including LDL, VLDL, and IDL. Each of these particles carries exactly one ApoB molecule, which means an ApoB measurement directly counts the number of harmful particles circulating in your blood rather than just estimating their cholesterol content. Research consistently shows that ApoB is a stronger predictor of cardiovascular events than LDL cholesterol alone, particularly in people with normal or borderline LDL who may otherwise be told their cholesterol is fine.
Beyond Standard NHS Testing
A routine NHS lipid profile measures total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, which remain the foundation of cardiovascular risk assessment in primary care. However, NICE lipid guidelines (NG238, updated 2023) acknowledge Apolipoprotein B as a clinically valid alternative to non-HDL cholesterol, particularly in situations where standard markers may be less reliable, such as in people with elevated triglycerides or those already on statin therapy. Statins are highly effective at reducing LDL cholesterol, but research shows that particle burden, as measured by ApoB, does not always fall in line with LDL, meaning some individuals on statins may still carry an elevated cardiovascular risk that a standard lipid profile would not detect. By including ApoB alongside a full lipid profile, this test goes beyond routine NHS provision and brings you closer to the level of cardiovascular risk assessment recommended by international cardiology bodies such as the European Society of Cardiology, giving you a more complete and actionable picture of your heart health.
Who Should Take This Test?
This test is particularly valuable for anyone with a family history of heart disease or early cardiovascular events; those on statins who want to confirm their treatment is reducing particle number as well as cholesterol; people with normal LDL but persistent cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome; and anyone who wants the most comprehensive and clinically advanced picture of their heart health available from a home test.
FAQs
What is ApoB and how is it different from LDL?
LDL cholesterol measures the amount of cholesterol carried inside LDL particles, but does not tell you how many particles are present. ApoB measures the actual number of atherogenic particles directly, as each one carries exactly one ApoB protein. Two people can have the same LDL cholesterol reading but very different particle counts, and it is the particle count that drives plaque formation and cardiovascular risk. ApoB gives a more accurate and actionable picture, particularly when LDL appears normal.
Why is ApoB considered a better cardiovascular risk marker than LDL?
Multiple large-scale studies have shown that ApoB predicts cardiovascular events more accurately than LDL, particularly in people with metabolic syndrome, diabetes, or those already on statin therapy. Many international cardiology guidelines now recommend ApoB as the preferred marker for assessing and managing cardiovascular risk.
Can I have high cardiovascular risk even if my LDL is normal?
Yes. This is one of the most important reasons to measure ApoB. It is possible to have a normal or even low LDL while carrying a high number of small, dense atherogenic particles, a pattern that significantly increases risk. ApoB captures this hidden risk that a standard cholesterol test would miss.
Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. We recommend fasting for 10 to 12 hours before collection, taking water only. This is particularly important for triglyceride accuracy. Collecting your sample first thing in the morning before breakfast is the most practical way to meet this requirement.
Can I take this test if I am on statins?
Yes, and it is particularly useful if you are. Statins reduce LDL effectively but their impact on particle number varies between individuals. ApoB is the most reliable way to confirm whether your treatment is adequately reducing cardiovascular risk, not just lowering the cholesterol figure.
How quickly will I receive my results?
Results are returned within 24 to 48 hours of your sample being received by our laboratory. You will receive a quantitative report with your actual figures, reference ranges, and remarks for any values outside the normal range.
How it works
Order test online
Collect a few drops at home
Return sample to the lab
