LDL test

[Heartmum56]

Anyone struggled to get a blood test with an LDL result? My GP only seems to be able to get one which gives non HDL which is apparently not the same. Cardiologist asking for LDL result and can't understand why I can't get it.

[CDreamer]

Never had a problem, I get full breakdown HDL, LDL & Triglycerides on all lipid tests.

[Blearyeyed]

Just like CDreamer , GP requests Cholesterol, it has a full breakdown .

[Lowerfield_no_more]

Whilst it is no doubt puzzling that your GP practice cannot organise one of the fundamental components of a lipid blood test, perhaps your cardiologist should arrange for you to receive the test that he/she requires.

[RufusScamp]

I just get a single figure with no breakdown. My reaction is if you can't give me the details, I'm not taking statins.

Possibly silly, but for some reason I really don't want to take them.

[EU95PTM]

My GP asks for a “full lipid profile” so I get the breakdown of the different components of cholesterol, including LDL. It should be simple to arrange.

[Alison_L]

I agree, I assumed everyone automatically got the full breakdown. If you haven’t got one, how can anyone prescribe the statins?

[LSCE]

Hello, Have you been given an overall cholesterol level too. If so deduct the HDL from the total and that is your LDL. I Think?

[Jacey15 in reply to LSCE]

Actually, this is incorrect. HDL, high density lipoprotein, and LDL, low density lipoprotein, are only 2 densities. There are others e.g. VLDL, very low density lipoprotein.

[LSCE in reply to Jacey15]

Yes you need a full lipid profile for calculation

[Mopsey1897]

do you have the My GP app? As all your test results will show on there. I think the NHS app will show the same info.

[Qualipop]

I can't get a breakdown of mine either. I suspect it's my GP who doesn't think we need t o know. I've been asked why I want to know it.

[Jacey15]

LDL cholesterol is a calculated test. The formula doesn't work if your triglycerides are higher than around 4 or 5 mmol/L. Do you know what your triglycerides were?

[Tabac]

My GP surgery is the same and don't include LDL as standard. I have to make it clear to who ever is taking the bloods that I need the LDL level as I'm on Inclisiran. They have to tick a different box on their blood test request if LDL is needed.

[Heartmum56 in reply to Tabac]

Thank you. Glad I'm not the only one. My problem is they don't seem to be able to find a different box!