Test ID: B-221M | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot | Test Method: Immunoassay | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Report: Specialist Doctor Comment Included | Suitable For: Men | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
Could Your Cholesterol or Triglycerides Be Putting Your Heart at Risk?
Men develop cardiovascular disease on average 7–10 years earlier than women — yet most have never had a proper assessment of their lipid profile. High cholesterol and elevated triglycerides typically cause no obvious symptoms until significant arterial damage has already occurred. Poor diet, excess alcohol, low testosterone, insulin resistance, and abdominal fat all drive unfavourable lipid patterns in men. If you recognise any of the following, a lipid test could give you the clarity you need:
- Fatigue or low energy with no clear cause
- Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Family history of heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol
- High-sugar, high-fat diet, or regular alcohol consumption
- Reduced libido or erectile dysfunction (an early sign of cardiovascular dysfunction)
- Diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes
- Currently on TRT or concerned about the cardiovascular impact of testosterone therapy
- No recent cardiovascular blood test
What This Test Measures
Three essential cardiovascular and metabolic markers from a simple finger-prick dried blood spot:
- Total Cholesterol (CH) — your overall cholesterol level; a key indicator of cardiovascular health; men with low testosterone or high abdominal fat often show elevated total cholesterol even on a reasonable diet
- HDL Cholesterol (HDL) — the protective “good” cholesterol that transports cholesterol away from arteries; low HDL is particularly common in men with insulin resistance, high triglycerides, or excess belly fat and is a strong independent predictor of heart attack risk
- Triglycerides (TG) — blood fats that rise with poor diet, excess alcohol, insulin resistance, and low testosterone; high triglycerides are a major cardiovascular risk factor and a core feature of metabolic syndrome
Together these markers give a clear picture of your heart health, fat metabolism, and metabolic risk.
Lipid Test Reference Ranges
| Test | Unit | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol (CH) | mg/dL | 132–239 | 132–239 |
| HDL Cholesterol (HDL) | mg/dL | 40–60 | 40–60 |
| Triglycerides (TG) | mg/dL | <150 | <150 |
What Do These Lipid Markers Mean?
| Test | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol (CH) | Measures the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood, including HDL, LDL and other cholesterol-carrying particles. Your result should be interpreted alongside HDL, LDL, triglycerides and personal cardiovascular risk factors. The laboratory reference interval is 132–239 mg/dL, but being within this interval does not necessarily mean the result is ideal. |
| HDL Cholesterol (HDL) | Often called “good cholesterol.” HDL helps transport cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for removal. Higher HDL is generally considered more favourable. The stated laboratory range is 40–60 mg/dL. Healthy targets can differ by sex; HDL above 40 mg/dL for men and above 50 mg/dL for women is generally considered favourable. |
| Triglycerides (TG) | A type of fat used by the body to store energy. Elevated levels may be associated with increased cardiovascular risk, particularly when combined with high LDL or low HDL. A fasting triglyceride result below 150 mg/dL is generally considered healthy. |
These results should not be considered individually. A healthcare professional may also consider LDL, non-HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, age and family history when assessing cardiovascular risk.
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Men with no recent cholesterol or lipid check
- Family history of heart disease, stroke, or high cholesterol
- Abdominal weight gain, poor diet, or regular alcohol use
- Diagnosed with or suspected metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance
- Currently on TRT — monitoring lipid impact is clinically recommended
- Reduced libido or erectile dysfunction as potential early cardiovascular signals
- Anyone wanting a proactive approach to heart health and longevity
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered to your door
- Collect your sample at home — a simple finger-prick dried blood spot; no clinic or GP visit needed; fasting for 8–12 hours before collection is recommended for most accurate triglyceride results
- Post your sample to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample
What You Receive
- Total Cholesterol, HDL, and Triglycerides displayed clearly in graphics and numbers
- Written interpretation by a Specialist PhD Doctor including cardiovascular and metabolic risk assessment
- Guidance on what your results mean and what to do next
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to fast before collecting my sample?
Fasting for 8–12 hours before collection is recommended for the most accurate triglyceride result. Cholesterol and HDL are less affected by fasting but consistency improves comparability if you are monitoring over time.
Why does TRT affect lipid levels?
Testosterone therapy can influence HDL, total cholesterol, and triglycerides. Regular lipid monitoring is recommended for all men on TRT to ensure the cardiovascular impact remains within a healthy range.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. You are only responsible for posting your sample to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.