Cardiovascular Risk Profile 1 is a detailed blood test that goes beyond a standard cholesterol check, adding markers linked to how fats are carried in your blood and to inflammation in blood vessels. It suits anyone wanting a fuller picture of their heart disease risk, particularly with a family history or existing risk factors. The test costs £471.25, plus a £50 blood-draw fee, with results back in 3 days. You can walk in or book online at 117a Harley Street, seven days a week.
This profile is often requested when a standard cholesterol test does not fully explain a person's risk, for example with a strong family history of heart disease or an early heart attack in a close relative.
It is also used by people who want a more thorough baseline before making lifestyle changes, starting medication, or simply understanding their risk more precisely than a routine check allows.
Doctors sometimes add it when other risk factors, such as high blood pressure, diabetes or smoking, are already present and a fuller picture would help guide treatment decisions.
Fasting is often recommended before a lipid profile for the most accurate triglyceride result, so avoid food for around 10 to 12 hours beforehand where possible and drink only water; follow any specific instruction from your doctor. Lipoprotein (a) and the apolipoprotein markers are not affected by fasting.
A raised Apolipoprotein B or a high ApoA/ApoB ratio suggests a greater proportion of higher-risk cholesterol particles, even when standard cholesterol looks acceptable, which is part of why this profile can add useful detail. A raised Lipoprotein (a) reflects an inherited risk that does not usually change much with lifestyle, so it mainly helps a doctor judge overall risk rather than track progress.
Raised high-sensitivity CRP or Lp-PLA2 can point to inflammation within blood vessels, which is one part of the cardiovascular risk picture alongside cholesterol.
No single marker on this panel gives a full risk assessment on its own. A doctor will look at the whole profile together with your blood pressure, family history and lifestyle to advise on next steps.
If you want these markers alongside a doctor's examination and a wider health assessment, compare the Full Body MOT health check.
Written by Mr Stephen Lingam. Reviewed by Prof Darrel Francis (GMC 4062833) on 24/09/2026.
A standard cholesterol test gives your total, HDL and LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. This profile adds apolipoproteins, Lipoprotein (a) and two inflammation markers, which can refine risk assessment beyond a standard lipid profile alone.
Fasting for around 10 to 12 hours is usually recommended for the most accurate triglyceride result, though the other markers on this panel are not affected by food. Follow any specific instruction from your doctor about timing.
Yes, Lipoprotein (a) is largely determined by genetics and tends to stay fairly stable through life, so most people only need it measured once unless a doctor advises otherwise.
No, it cannot predict an individual event. It gives a more detailed picture of risk factors, which a doctor uses alongside your overall health to guide prevention and, where needed, treatment.