Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is required to contact the clinic about testing. If you are unsure which test is suitable, a GP consultation is the safer starting point.

It depends on the test and your medicines. The clinic will confirm the preparation needed for your selected tests.

What if my result is outside the reference range?

A clinician should interpret the result in context. You may need a repeat test, a GP review or referral depending on the result and your symptoms.

Can blood tests diagnose every cause of symptoms?

No. Blood tests can be useful, but they are one part of assessment and may need to be combined with examination, imaging or specialist review.

Cholesterol and Cardiac Risk Blood Tests

Cholesterol and Cardiac Risk Blood Tests in London

Choose testing that answers a clear clinical question, with a safe route for explaining the result and deciding what happens next.

Preparation· Preparation varies by test and medicines. The clinic confirms the right instructions before your appointment; do not stop prescribed treatment unless the clinician who prescribed it advises you to do so.

A cholesterol or cardiac-risk blood test can measure selected risk markers, but it does not predict your health in isolation. I interpret results with blood pressure, family history, diabetes status, smoking, symptoms and other factors.

Lipid results are most useful when they sit within a broader cardiovascular-risk conversation. The right test and follow-up depend on the individual clinical context.

I use a blood-test result alongside your symptoms, medical history, examination and any previous results. A result outside a reference range does not automatically diagnose a condition, and a result within range does not replace clinical assessment when symptoms persist.

Written & reviewed by

Dr George Xynopoulos

Consultant Physician & Cardiologist · GMC 3502763 · Reviewed by Dr George Xynopoulos, GMC 3502763

Clinical review date: 21 August 2026

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What this category may include

The exact selection is agreed according to the question being investigated. Tests may be ordered individually or as part of a clinically appropriate panel.

Test or marker	Why it may be considered
Lipid profile	Measures cholesterol fractions and triglycerides
HbA1c	May be relevant when diabetes risk contributes to cardiovascular risk
Lipoprotein(a)	May be considered in selected risk assessments

How I use the result

A raised marker does not automatically mean medication is required. A GP or cardiology clinician can weigh overall risk, potential causes and the appropriate next step.

arrange a private GP review if you need help deciding whether testing is appropriate

When not to rely on routine testing

Call 999 for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, collapse, new facial droop, arm weakness or speech difficulty. Routine risk testing is not an emergency assessment.

Routine blood testing should not delay urgent assessment for severe, sudden or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Appointment, results and follow-up

Same-day results may be available where a blood sample is collected by 2pm on a weekday at Victoria Medical; timing depends on the requested tests and laboratory workflow. The clinic confirms the reporting and follow-up arrangements for the selected pathway at booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

References

[1]Grundy SM et al. 2018 Guideline on the Management of Blood Cholesterol. Journal of the American College of Cardiology. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2018.11.003.

Related Services at Victoria Medical

Private blood tests Private GP Blood-test preparation guide Understanding an abnormal blood test Cholesterol guide Private cardiology