A GP is encouraging people to take a simple seven-minute finger-prick test available at pharmacies across the UK to check their cholesterol levels, which could reveal whether they are at risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite, is calling on people to get their cholesterol levels checked. High cholesterol is a major cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), with the potential to lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Heart disease statistics in the UK
Data from the British Heart Foundation shows that around 170,000 people die from cardiovascular disease across the UK every year. This equates to an average of 460 deaths each day, or one every three minutes, while CVD is responsible for around 26% of all deaths in the country.
The finger-prick test can measure cholesterol levels in under seven minutes and can help identify those at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke.
What the GP says about cholesterol checks
As reported by Chronicle Live, Dr Maula said: "Cholesterol is an important piece of the puzzle, but it doesn't tell us everything about someone's cardiovascular health. We also need to consider blood pressure, family history, lifestyle and other medical conditions."
"Two people can have the same cholesterol level but very different cardiovascular risks. A check can be a useful starting point for understanding your overall health and deciding whether anything needs further investigation."
Study findings and next steps
A study led by Barts Health NHS Trust delivered more than 1,200 tests between January 2025 and February 2026. It revealed that around one in five people assessed were at high risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years.
According to Dr Maula, high cholesterol itself does not have any identifiable symptoms. It is often dubbed a "silent" risk factor as it can build over many years without disrupting your daily body functions.
The finger-prick test is available at selected pharmacies and, depending on the outcome, pharmacists can offer guidance or arrange treatment where suitable. They may also direct patients to their GP for further testing or treatment.
Dr Maula continued: "If your cholesterol is raised, it's worth asking what might be contributing to it and whether other aspects of your health need checking."
"Diet and lifestyle can influence cholesterol, but genetics and other medical conditions can play a role, too. Some inherited conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolaemia, can cause particularly high cholesterol levels and increase cardiovascular risk."
She added: "Some people may benefit from changes to their diet and lifestyle, while others may need medication. The important thing is to speak to a healthcare professional who can assess your overall risk and advise on the right approach for you."
