Which cholesterol values are in the Baseline?
Total cholesterol is a coarse number, on its own it says little. The real lipid profile is the combination of LDL, HDL, ApoB, triglycerides and the ratios between them. All of those values are included by default in the Optimize Baseline blood test; below we explain each marker individually.
How often should you measure your cholesterol?
If your values are stable and you have no elevated risk, once every 1 to 2 years is enough. Adjusted your nutrition, training or supplements? A re-test after 8 to 12 weeks already shows clear movement, LDL and triglycerides respond quickly to lifestyle.
Some markers, like ApoB and Lp(a), are largely genetic and need less frequent repeats. They do give a crucial baseline of your cardiovascular risk.
Where can I get my cholesterol measured?
With Optimize you book the appointment yourself and draw at one of the 262+ locations near you, without a doctor's referral. Your values appear in the Optimize app typically within 24 hours, with explanations per marker and context from your full blood work.
For accurate triglycerides, fasting (8-12 hours) is recommended. The app shows exactly how to prepare for your appointment.
Markers explained
What does each cholesterol marker measure?
Seven values, each with a different meaning for your heart health, plus one genetic add-on.
The sum of LDL, HDL, VLDL and other cholesterol fractions. Useful as a starting point but misleading as the only measure: high totals can result from high HDL (favourable) and high LDL (unfavourable) combined. Always interpret alongside the other markers.
Low-density lipoprotein carries cholesterol from the liver to the tissues. Too much LDL promotes plaque build-up in the arteries (atherosclerosis). LDL responds well to lifestyle: less saturated and trans fat, more soluble fibre and aerobic exercise lower it measurably.
High-density lipoprotein transports cholesterol back to the liver for breakdown, hence the "good" label. Low HDL tracks with higher risk, but more is not automatically better: extremely high values add no extra protection. Regular aerobic training (running, cycling, swimming) and quitting smoking modestly improve HDL.
ApoB is the protein on the outer wall of all atherogenic particles: LDL, IDL, VLDL and Lp(a). A single ApoB measurement counts all dangerous particles, not just their cholesterol mass. That makes ApoB a more precise risk indicator than LDL, especially in people with high triglycerides or insulin resistance.
Fats circulating in the blood as energy reserves. Triglycerides rise with excess refined carbohydrates, alcohol, overweight and inactivity. High fasting triglycerides are an independent cardiovascular risk factor. Good news: they respond strongly to lifestyle changes within weeks.
The ratio between total cholesterol (TC) and HDL. The lower the ratio, the greater the proportion of "good" cholesterol. Target value: below 4.0. Useful as a quick risk summary, but less specific than ApoB.
The direct comparison between atherogenic LDL and protective HDL. Target value: below 3.0. Falls with every combination of LDL reduction and HDL increase, precisely what an active lifestyle achieves.
Lp(a) is a special lipoprotein particle with an extra protein (apolipoprotein(a)) that makes it particularly "sticky" and interferes with blood clotting. High Lp(a) levels substantially raise the risk of heart and vascular disease, independently of LDL or lifestyle. Levels are ~90% genetically determined and barely respond to diet or exercise. Testing once for a baseline reference is valuable; large changes on re-testing are not expected.
add-on
Ready to get your cholesterol measured? Start the Baseline blood test in the Optimize app. Cholesterol measurement is included.
Get your cholesterol measuredWhat's all in the Baseline?
Your cholesterol is part of the full lipid profile, included in the same Baseline blood test that maps your whole body. Here's what you get as standard:
Beyond the Baseline, targeted add-ons let you go deeper into a specific marker or system.
What you get that a standard cholesterol test misses.
Clarity on your heart and vascular health
How to get your cholesterol measured
Frequently asked questions
The key things to know about cholesterol testing with Optimize.
Take control now.
Baseline + Lipoprotein(a)
The full lipid profile is in the Baseline; Lipoprotein(a) is already waiting as an add-on.
Get your cholesterol measuredNo referral needed · Results within 24 hours
- 40+ biomarkers in one blood draw
- Results within 24 hours
- Explained in plain language, not a lab sheet
- No referral, no waiting list
- 262 draw locations in the Netherlands
- Your own dashboard, with trends on every retest
Prefer to read on first? Blood test