A GP is encouraging people to take a seven-minute test that could reveal whether they are at risk of a heart attack or stroke. According to the British Heart Foundation, nearly 170,000 people die in the UK each year from heart and circulatory diseases – approximately 460 deaths a day, or one every three minutes.
One of the primary causes of heart problems, raised cholesterol, frequently goes undetected due to its lack of obvious symptoms. However, a finger-prick test available at participating pharmacies can measure cholesterol in under seven minutes, while a more comprehensive assessment can help pinpoint those who may face a heightened risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Study finds one in five at high risk
A study led by Barts Health NHS Trust delivered more than 1,200 tests between January 2025 and February 2026. Its findings revealed that roughly one in five people assessed were at high risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years.
GP Dr Asiya Maula is now calling on people to get their cholesterol levels checked, cautioning that understanding overall cardiovascular risk involves far more than a single number. She is also warning that the condition can go undetected for years, as raised cholesterol does not typically present any noticeable symptoms.
The GP at The Health Suite says the study's findings underline the importance of looking beyond cholesterol levels alone. She explains: "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."
Why a cholesterol result is only part of the picture
The pilot's one-in-five finding relates to the wider cardiovascular risk assessment, not the cholesterol test alone. The broader assessment takes into account factors such as blood pressure and other pertinent health information.
Depending on the outcome, pharmacists are able to offer guidance, arrange treatment where suitable or direct patients to their GP. The most recent Health Survey for England revealed that 48 per cent of adults had raised cholesterol in 2024.
NHS England also reported that high cholesterol was the fifth most-viewed health condition on its website in 2025, attracting 1.7 million views. Nevertheless, an elevated reading does not automatically indicate that someone will suffer a heart attack or stroke. It must be weighed against other risk factors in order to fully understand what it means for each individual.
Dr Maula said: "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."
What should you do if your cholesterol is high?
Dr Maula says the next step should be to understand the result rather than make assumptions. She says: "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."
Those aged between 40 and 84 who satisfy the scheme's eligibility requirements may be able to access a check at participating pharmacies. Availability differs from location to location, so it is worth contacting your local pharmacy before making a visit.
