The Cholesterol and Lipid Profile is a key blood test for assessing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease — the leading cause of death worldwide. It measures the levels of fats (lipids) circulating in your blood, including the so-called "bad" cholesterol (LDL) that deposits in artery walls, the "good" cholesterol (HDL) that protects arteries, and triglycerides. Results allow your doctor to calculate your overall cardiovascular risk and guide treatment decisions.
The standard lipid panel measures: Total Cholesterol — the total amount of all cholesterol types combined; LDL Cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein) — the primary contributor to plaque buildup in artery walls, increasing heart attack and stroke risk; HDL Cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein) — the protective cholesterol that carries excess cholesterol back to the liver; Triglycerides — blood fats elevated by excess sugar, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates; and Total Cholesterol:HDL Ratio — a single number that summarises cardiovascular risk (ideal: below 4).
Understanding who needs this test and what symptoms to look out for.
A lipid profile is ordered for cardiovascular risk assessment in all adults over 40, for individuals with a family history of premature heart disease, for people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, for monitoring the effect of cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), and as part of routine annual health screening.
You should have a lipid panel if you are over 40, have not been tested in the last 5 years, have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol, have diabetes or high blood pressure, are overweight or physically inactive, or if a doctor has recommended it.
Fast for 10–12 hours before the test (water is allowed). Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours beforehand, as alcohol raises triglycerides significantly. Take your usual medications unless advised otherwise. Avoid heavy exercise for 24 hours before the test.
Select your test, choose a convenient time, and confirm your booking — no GP visit or referral required.
Provide a urine sample at home, at your workplace, or at one of our island-wide collection points — or book a home visit with a trained phlebotomist if a blood sample is required.
A doctor reviews every result and contacts you with a clear, plain-English explanation and any recommended next steps.
High LDL or a high total:HDL ratio significantly increases cardiovascular risk. First-line treatment is lifestyle modification — reducing saturated fat, increasing exercise, stopping smoking, and moderating alcohol. If lifestyle measures are insufficient, statin therapy is highly effective. Your MDLink doctor will calculate your 10-year cardiovascular risk score and recommend a personalised plan.
No referral is required. You can book directly through MDLink without seeing a GP first — simply choose a time that works for you and confirm your booking online.
After booking, you can visit one of our certified partner laboratories for sample collection. Alternatively, select the house-call option and a trained phlebotomist will come to you at home or your workplace.
Turnaround times vary by test. A doctor will contact you once your results are ready to explain what they mean and advise on any follow-up — you are never left to interpret results alone.
Your MDLink doctor will explain your results clearly and recommend next steps — which may include a repeat test, additional investigations, or a specialist referral tailored to your situation.
Yes. Select the house-call option at booking and a trained phlebotomist will visit you at your preferred address at a convenient time.
No GP referral needed · Certified laboratories · Results reviewed and explained by a doctor
Book online — from US$42.00