Cholesterol Test
Accurate, Fast, No fasting needed
Take control of your heart health, check your cholesterol in minutes.
Almost half of older adults in Ireland have high cholesterol and don't know it.
Cholesterol is one of the most important markers of long-term health. High levels rarely cause symptoms, but significantly increase your risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Ireland, accounting for around 1 in 3 Irish deaths.
Testing is a simple first step and it's never too early to check.
Book Your Cholesterol Test OnlineBook Your Test Now for only €49.00
This Test Gives You Fast Insight Into All Three Types of Your Cholesterol and Triglycerides
TCH (total cholesterol), LDL-C (bad cholesterol), HDL-C (good cholesterol) and TG (triglycerides).
All key players in your heart and metabolic health.
High cholesterol is a key risk factor for coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. You should test your cholesterol if you:
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Early Detection:
Have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol.
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Effective Management:
Have high blood pressure.
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Prevents Complications:
Have Type 2 diabetes, or are overweight.
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Prevention:
Are over 40, or over 30 with additional risk factors.
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Wellbeing:
Want a baseline health check to support your long-term wellbeing.
High Cholesterol Usually Causes No Symptoms
But it can quietly damage your arteries over time. Even without symptoms, healthy adults are advised to check their cholesterol at least every 5 years, and more often if risk factors are present. You may be at higher risk if you:
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Fatigue and General Weakness
Feel tired or breathless more often than usual.
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Excess Weight
Have a high BMI or carry weight around your waist.
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Smoking or Drinking
Smoke or drink alcohol regularly.
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Unhealthy Diet
Eat a diet high in saturated fat or processed food.
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Family Heart Disease
Have a family history of early heart problems or stroke.
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Inactive Lifestyle
Don't get much regular exercise.
Monitoring Health with the 4 in 1 Cholesterol Test
A full cholesterol test measures four types of fat in your blood.
It shows whether your cholesterol is high and helps gauge your risk of heart and blood vessel disease.
Book Your Cholesterol Test OnlineTotal Cholesterol (TCH)
The overall amount of cholesterol in your blood.
LDL Cholesterol, the "bad" kind
Too much LDL causes plaque to build up in your arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. If plaque breaks away, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.
HDL Cholesterol, the "good" kind
HDL helps carry LDL away from your arteries, keeping them clear and blood flowing freely. Higher levels are protective.
Triglycerides (TG)
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. When you eat, your body turns calories it doesn't need straight away into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells.
High levels are linked to being overweight, eating a lot of sugar, drinking too much alcohol, smoking, being inactive and having diabetes.
1Getting Ready
Drink water and take your medication as normal. Fasting isn't required, but fasting for 8 hours beforehand gives the most accurate triglyceride reading.
2Collecting the Sample
Our trained pharmacy team takes a small drop of blood from your fingertip. It's quick and causes minimal discomfort.
3Running the Test
Your sample is analysed on our in-pharmacy analyser, which measures your cholesterol levels accurately.
4Waiting for Results
Results are ready in around 3 minutes, so you can wait in the pharmacy.
5Understanding Your Results
We'll go through your TCH, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels with you and explain what they mean for your heart and metabolic health.
6Next Steps
If anything is outside the normal range, we'll talk you through lifestyle changes and advise whether you should see your GP for further tests or treatment.
Understanding Your Cholesterol Results
The table below explains the ranges for each marker and what your result means.
| Biomarker | Range (mmol/L) | What It Means for Your Health |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | Below 5.2 | Normal:Desirable level with a low cardiovascular risk. |
| Total Cholesterol | 5.2 to 6.0 | Borderline:Mildly raised. Look at the full lipid profile. |
| Total Cholesterol | Above 6.0 | High:Increased cardiovascular risk. Review your lifestyle and consider speaking to your GP. |
| LDL Cholesterol | Below 3.0 | Normal:Low risk of plaque building up in the arteries. |
| LDL Cholesterol | 3.0 to 4.0 | Borderline:Monitor alongside your other risk factors. |
| LDL Cholesterol | Above 4.0 | High:Raised risk of narrowed arteries and heart disease. |
| HDL (Men) | Below 1.0 | Low:Increased risk of cardiovascular disease. |
| HDL (Men) | 1.0 to 1.55 | Normal:Protective range. |
| HDL (Men) | Above 1.55 | High:Very protective, an excellent lipid balance. |
| HDL (Women) | Below 1.1 | Low:Higher risk of arterial disease. |
| HDL (Women) | 1.1 to 1.65 | Normal:Healthy range. |
| HDL (Women) | Above 1.65 | High:Very protective. |
| Triglycerides | Below 1.7 | Normal:Lower risk of heart disease and stroke. |
| Triglycerides | 1.7 to 2.2 | Borderline:Mildly raised. A review of your diet is advised. |
| Triglycerides | Above 2.2 | High:Increased cardiometabolic risk. |
| Cholesterol to HDL Ratio | Below 4.0 | Ideal:Good lipid balance with a lower risk. |
| Cholesterol to HDL Ratio | 4.0 to 5.0 | Moderate:Look at your other lipid markers and risk factors. |
| Cholesterol to HDL Ratio | Above 5.0 | High:Increased risk of cardiovascular events. |
Please note: This is a screening test and does not replace a diagnosis from your GP. If your result falls outside the normal range, our pharmacist will talk you through it and advise you to see your GP where needed.
Sources: The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), Trinity College Dublin; Tallaght University Hospital, A Snapshot of Lipid Levels in the Republic of Ireland.
