Europe has the highest prevalence of high cholesterol in the world, and demand for cholesterol testing across the region continues to grow. This article reviews the latest available data on cholesterol in Europe, key market trends, end-user insights, and the main factors driving demand for cholesterol testing.

Europe Has the World's Highest Prevalence of High Cholesterol

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), often called "bad" cholesterol, increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart conditions linked to high LDL are often associated with lifestyle factors such as excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of physical activity.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 133 million people in Europe's largest countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK) are affected by high "bad" cholesterol. Based on the data available at the time of writing (2023), Europe has the highest prevalence of this chronic condition of any continent.

Key Figures

• Prevalence: high cholesterol affects 54% of both men and women in Europe.
• Highest levels worldwide: Greenland, Iceland, Andorra, and Germany have some of the highest cholesterol levels in the world, with mean serum total cholesterol around 5.5 mmol/L.
• Market share: Europe accounted for 31.5% of the cholesterol market in 2022 and is projected to hold the largest share from 2023 to 2031.
• Key markets: Germany, France, and Italy.

Cholesterol Testing Market Trends in Europe

Data Bridge Market Research projected the cholesterol testing market to grow at a CAGR of 6.10% over the 2022–2029 forecast period.

The chart shows a steady rise in demand across major European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.

Cholesterol Test End-User Insights

The cholesterol test market serves four main end-user groups:

• Hospitals
• Clinics
• Home care settings
• Diagnostic centers

Diagnostic centers generated the largest share of cholesterol test revenue in 2022 and are expected to grow fastest over the 2022–2030 forecast period. This growth is driven by the rising number of people diagnosed with high total cholesterol.

Another key driver is the growing trend of routine health check-ups done independently, without direct physician involvement.

Why Demand for Cholesterol Testing Is Growing in Europe

1. The Burden of Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in Europe:

• Europe: 3.9 million deaths every year, or 45% of all deaths
• EU: more than 1.8 million deaths every year, or 37% of all deaths
• Premature deaths in Europe (under age 65): close to 670,000 deaths per year, or 29% of all deaths
• Premature deaths in the EU (under age 65): more than 190,000 deaths per year, or 22% of all deaths

2. An Aging Population and the Rise of Home Testing

As populations age, cardiovascular disease and risk factors such as high cholesterol become more common. This increases demand for cholesterol testing and monitoring among older adults.

Many older people also prefer the convenience of testing at home, which is driving demand for home testing kits and devices.

3. Advances in Cholesterol Testing Technology

Portable cholesterol meters can use a small whole blood sample to measure total cholesterol and other lipids, including HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and related analytes.

The MedAsia Cholesterol Meter

The MedAsia cholesterol meter offers user-friendly features for easier cholesterol management at a competitive price. It simplifies routine monitoring and helps people take a more proactive approach to their heart health.

Learn More

For a deeper look at this product, read our article: The Essential Cholesterol Meter: Pathway to Heart Health