Heart and Metabolic Blood Test

LDL cholesterol measures the cholesterol carried in low-density lipoprotein particles. Higher levels increase the risk of cholesterol building up in artery walls and contributing to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

HDL cholesterol measures the cholesterol carried in high-density lipoprotein particles, which help transport excess cholesterol away from tissues. Higher levels are generally associated with lower cardiovascular risk, but HDL is interpreted as part of the overall lipid profile.

Non-HDL cholesterol is total cholesterol minus HDL cholesterol. It represents cholesterol carried by LDL and other particles that can contribute to plaque build-up in artery walls and is a useful marker of cardiovascular risk.

Total cholesterol measures the cholesterol carried across the different lipoproteins in your blood. It is interpreted together with LDL, HDL, triglycerides and other cardiovascular risk factors rather than on its own.

Triglycerides are a type of fat carried in the blood. They come from dietary fat and are also produced by the liver. Higher levels are associated with increased cardiometabolic risk, while very high levels can increase the risk of pancreatitis.

This calculated ratio compares total cholesterol with HDL cholesterol and provides additional information when assessing cardiovascular risk. A lower ratio is generally considered more favourable.

This ratio compares triglycerides with HDL cholesterol. Higher values have been associated with insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk, but the ratio is not diagnostic on its own and there is no single cut-off that applies to everyone.

High-sensitivity CRP measures low concentrations of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation. In people without an acute infection or inflammatory illness, it can add information to cardiovascular risk assessment. Infection, injury and other inflammation can temporarily raise the result.

HbA1c measures the proportion of haemoglobin with glucose attached to it and reflects average blood glucose exposure over the previous two to three months. It is widely used to help diagnose and monitor diabetes and prediabetes.

Albumin is the main protein made by the liver. It helps keep fluid within blood vessels and carries hormones, medicines and other substances through the bloodstream. Low levels can occur for several reasons and are interpreted with other results.

ALP is an enzyme found mainly in the liver, bile ducts and bones. Raised levels can occur with liver or bile duct conditions or increased bone activity, so the result is interpreted alongside other tests.

ALT is an enzyme found mainly in liver cells. When liver cells are inflamed or damaged, ALT can be released into the blood, causing the level to rise.

Bilirubin is produced when haemoglobin from old red blood cells is broken down. It is processed by the liver and removed in bile. Raised levels can occur for several reasons and may sometimes cause jaundice.

GGT is an enzyme found mainly in the liver and bile ducts. Levels can rise with liver or bile duct problems and may also be affected by alcohol intake and some medicines.

Globulins are a group of blood proteins that include antibodies and proteins involved in transport and immune function. The result is usually considered alongside albumin and total protein.

Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and globulins in the blood. It is interpreted together with the individual protein levels and other relevant results.

TSH is made by the pituitary gland and signals the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones. It is usually interpreted together with FT4 to assess how the thyroid is functioning.

FT4 measures the unbound fraction of thyroxine (T4), one of the main hormones produced by the thyroid. It is interpreted alongside TSH to assess thyroid function.

Creatinine is a waste product produced mainly by normal muscle activity and removed from the blood by the kidneys. It is commonly used to assess kidney function and calculate eGFR, although levels can also be influenced by muscle mass.

eGFR estimates how effectively the kidneys filter waste from the blood. It is usually calculated from creatinine together with factors such as age and sex. Lower values can indicate reduced kidney filtration and are interpreted in context.

Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines. Persistently high levels can lead to urate crystal formation and increase the risk of gout and certain kidney stones.