Cholesterol Test Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product Type (Test Kits, Test Strips, Others), By Test Type (Total Cholesterol Test, HDL Test, LDL Test, Triglycerides Test), By End-User (Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers, Home Care Settings, Others) and By Region(North America, Europe, APAC, Middle East and Africa, LATAM) Forecasts, 2024-2032

Cholesterol Test Market Size

The global cholesterol test market size was valued at USD 6.87 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach from USD 7.42 billion in 2024 to USD 13.81 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 8.07% during the forecast period (2024–2032). In the past few years, there has been a considerable increase in the cases of cardiovascular diseases owing to the adoption of sedentary lifestyles and a surge in the case of obesity, thereby driving the global cholesterol test market growth. Moreover, the burgeoning digitization in the healthcare industry has led to innovations and the development of novel cholesterol test products, thereby creating opportunities for the growth of the global cholesterol test market.

A cholesterol test, also known as a lipid panel or lipid profile, measures the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood. It provides essential insights into a person's risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. The test typically evaluates total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL, often called "bad" cholesterol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL or "good" cholesterol), and triglycerides.

Elevated levels of LDL cholesterol can lead to plaque buildup in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke, while higher HDL levels are considered protective. The test is simple and requires a blood sample, typically after fasting. It is commonly recommended as part of routine health assessments, especially for individuals with a family history of heart disease, obesity, or other risk factors. 

Top 4 key highlights

• Test kits dominated the product type segment
• Total cholesterol test dominated the test type segment
• Diagnostic centers dominated the end-user segment
• North America is the highest shareholder in the global market

Cholesterol Test Market Trends

Increasing adoption of home testing kits

One prominent market trend in the market is the increasing adoption of home testing kits. These kits allow patients to monitor their cholesterol levels without visiting healthcare facilities, a factor driven by growing awareness of preventive healthcare and convenience. According to a 2022 report by the American Heart Association, 93 million U.S. adults have high cholesterol, pushing demand for more accessible and quick diagnostic methods.

The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified the demand for at-home health solutions, with a rise in digital health technologies aiding patients to track their health remotely. As digitalization in healthcare continues to expand, the integration of mobile apps with cholesterol home testing kits has become a significant trend. This shift aligns with the broader market growth as consumers seek easy-to-use devices that offer real-time insights.

Market Growth Factors

Rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (cvds)

The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) globally is a major driver of the market. High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for CVDs, which include conditions such as heart attacks and strokes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), CVDs are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 31% of global deaths.

The rising burden of these diseases has led to an increased focus on early detection and management of cholesterol levels. As a result, healthcare providers are increasingly incorporating cholesterol tests into routine checkups, fueling the market growth. The need for effective screening and preventive measures in both developed and emerging economies continues to drive the demand for cholesterol testing services and products.

Restraining Factors

High costs and limited access in low-income regions

One of the major restraints affecting the market is the high cost of advanced diagnostic tools and limited access to healthcare in low-income regions. Despite the benefits of regular cholesterol testing, many underdeveloped and developing countries face challenges in providing affordable healthcare solutions.

Lack of awareness and infrastructure in rural areas of Africa and Southeast Asia, coupled with high import taxes on medical devices, limits market penetration. Moreover, patients in these regions may not be able to afford the frequent testing needed for effective cholesterol management, thereby curtailing overall market growth.

Market Opportunities

Advancements in digital healthcare solutions

The integration of digital technologies into healthcare presents significant opportunities for the market. Innovations such as wearable devices and smartphone-based testing kits allow for real-time monitoring and improved patient compliance. According to a 2021 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 39% of adults in the U.S. are using wearable health technology.

By harnessing digital platforms, cholesterol test providers can improve patient engagement and expand market size. Moreover, the development of artificial intelligence (AI)-based tools for data analysis is another avenue for growth, offering more personalized health insights and driving market growth.

Regional Insights

The North American cholesterol test industry leads globally, driven by a robust healthcare infrastructure, high disease awareness, and the increasing prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the leading cause of death in North America, responsible for nearly 30% of all deaths in the region, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). This high burden significantly boosts demand for cholesterol tests, as elevated cholesterol levels are a major contributor to CVDs.

Moreover, the U.S. and Canada both have strong public health campaigns to promote cholesterol testing. For instance, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends regular cholesterol testing for adults aged 20 and older, which has driven increased testing across various healthcare settings. Furthermore, the region's advanced diagnostic technology, such as point-of-care (POC) devices and laboratory automation, has led to greater adoption of cholesterol tests in healthcare settings, further expanding market access.

The U.S. holds the largest share of the North American market. According to the CDC, the rising prevalence of high cholesterol, affecting nearly 94 million U.S. adults, is a key factor driving market demand. Likewise, U.S. insurance coverage for preventive services like cholesterol screening encourages regular checkups. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), U.S. citizens are entitled to free cholesterol screenings as part of preventive healthcare services, a factor that has significantly increased routine testing across the country. This coverage encourages millions of Americans to access cholesterol tests regularly, contributing to market growth.

Moreover, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many Americans shifted to at-home cholesterol testing kits. Companies like LetsGetChecked and Everlywell now offer cholesterol test kits, contributing to the rapid growth of home-based diagnostics, a rising trend in the U.S. market.

The Asia-Pacific cholesterol test market is projected to experience rapid growth due to increasing healthcare awareness and the rising prevalence of cardiovascular diseases. For instance, according to the World Heart Federation, the Asia-Pacific region accounts for over 60% of the global burden of cardiovascular diseases, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This alarming statistic has spurred government-led health campaigns focusing on early diagnosis, driving demand for cholesterol testing.

Additionally, countries such as India, Japan, and South Korea are witnessing a growing aging population, leading to higher demand for regular health checkups, including cholesterol testing. For instance, by 2030, Japan's population aged 65 and over is expected to account for more than 30% of the country's total population. This is estimated to drive the Asia-Pacific cholesterol test market.

China represents a significant portion of the Asia-Pacific cholesterol test market. With an aging population and increasing urbanization, the incidence of hypercholesterolemia is rising rapidly. A 2022 report by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 20% of Chinese adults suffer from high cholesterol. This trend has led to a surge in demand for diagnostic services, particularly in urban areas. Moreover, the region's "Healthy China 2030" initiative, launched in 2016, aims to reduce preventable diseases through early screening and public health programs.

By 2025, the government plans to double its investment in preventive healthcare, with cholesterol testing being one of the critical components of cardiovascular disease prevention strategies. Moreover, companies such as Sinocare and Lepu Medical Technology are developing home-use cholesterol test kits that are gaining traction in the market, further boosting market growth.

Cholesterol Test Market Segmentation Analysis

By product type

The global market is bifurcated into test kits, test strips, and others. The test kits segment is a dominant category in the global cholesterol test market, driven by the rising demand for home-based testing solutions. These kits offer convenience, affordability, and ease of use, allowing individuals to monitor cholesterol levels without the need to visit healthcare facilities. With advancements in digital health, many test kits now come equipped with mobile apps for real-time tracking, contributing to the segment's rapid growth. Moreover, the increasing awareness about preventive healthcare and the early detection of cardiovascular risks have further propelled the adoption of cholesterol test kits.

By test type

The global market is segmented into total cholesterol tests, HDL tests, LDL tests, and triglycerides tests. The total cholesterol test segment is estimated to own the highest market share. The total cholesterol test segment is one of the largest and most commonly used in the cholesterol test market. This test measures the overall cholesterol levels in a person's blood, including both high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), making it a crucial tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. The test's simplicity and wide application across various healthcare settings have led to its dominance in the market.

Many preventive healthcare programs and clinical guidelines recommend regular total cholesterol testing, contributing to its growing market size. With the increasing global prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, the demand for total cholesterol tests has surged, particularly in regions with high incidences of heart disease, like North America and Europe.

By end-users

The global market is divided into hospitals, diagnostic centers, home care settings, and others. The diagnostic centers segment holds the largest share of the global cholesterol test market. The diagnostic centers segment holds a significant share of the global cholesterol test market due to the rising demand for accurate and comprehensive lipid profiling. These centers offer advanced diagnostic tools and technologies, ensuring precise cholesterol level assessment, which is critical for managing cardiovascular diseases. With increased healthcare awareness, individuals are seeking professional diagnostics over at-home kits, driving growth in this segment.

Additionally, diagnostic centers provide various test panels, including LDL, HDL, and triglycerides, making them a preferred choice for comprehensive health checkups. The growth of private diagnostic chains, especially in emerging economies, and collaborations with healthcare providers further fuel the expansion of this segment, contributing to the overall market size.

Recent Developments

• June 2024- Roche announced the release of its new analytical instruments, cobas® c 703 and cobas® ISE neo, for the cobas® pro integrated solutions in countries that accept the CE mark. The Cobas Pro Integrated Solutions is a diagnostic platform that is both scalable and modular, specifically designed for high-volume laboratories.
• May 2024- A diagnostic assay was devised by researchers from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to assess the effectiveness of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the so-called "good" cholesterol, in the body. Also, their discoveries may result in the development of novel clinical laboratory tests that augment conventional HDL-level testing to more accurately assess an individual's risk of developing heart disease.

Analyst’s Perspective

As per our research analyst, the market is set for strong growth, driven by rising cardiovascular disease prevalence, particularly among aging populations. Increased awareness of preventive healthcare and technological advancements in point-of-care testing and digital health platforms are making cholesterol testing more accessible and efficient. While price sensitivity and infrastructure limitations may present challenges in low-income regions, the expanding emphasis on regular health screenings and government initiatives are expected to drive demand. Thus, the market will benefit from innovations in testing technology and the growing focus on early detection and disease prevention.