A doctor is encouraging people to have their cholesterol checked, noting that a quick test could help reveal hidden risks of a heart attack or stroke. The finger-prick test takes less than seven minutes at participating pharmacies in England, although experts stress that cholesterol is only one part of the picture.
Why Cholesterol Checks Matter
Dr Asiya Maula, a GP at The Health Suite, says understanding cardiovascular health means looking at several factors rather than focusing on a single result. Her advice comes as National Cholesterol Month highlights a condition that often has no obvious symptoms.
The NHS says high cholesterol can only be identified through a blood test, and people may not realise their levels are raised until they are checked. A cholesterol test can measure different types of cholesterol, with results considered alongside factors such as age, blood pressure, medical conditions and family history.
What the Test Reveals
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."
The value of combining checks was demonstrated by a pharmacy pilot led by Barts Health NHS Trust, which tested 2,493 people at 61 community pharmacies between January 2025 and March 2026. According to its partners, 19 per cent were identified as suitable for cholesterol-lowering medication, while the wider assessment found around one in five people faced a high risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next decade.
Expansion of the Scheme
That figure relates to the overall cardiovascular risk assessment, not the cholesterol test alone. NHS England announced in August that the seven-minute checks would be expanded to around 100 pharmacies across England, with eligible people aged 40 to 84 able to access testing if they are not pregnant and have not had a blood test in the previous year.
Dr Maula added: "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."
The latest Health Survey for England found that 48 per cent of adults had raised cholesterol in 2024. NHS guidance says a GP may use cholesterol results to calculate a QRISK score, which estimates the likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years.
If a result is high, it does not automatically mean someone will have a heart attack or stroke, but it should be discussed with a healthcare professional. Dr Maula continued: "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."
Availability of the pharmacy scheme varies, so people should check with their local participating pharmacy before visiting.
