Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. It is used to build healthy cells, however too much cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. This is because these fatty deposits within the blood vessels can limit blood flow to the arteries, form a clot and potentially cause a heart attack or stroke.

Exercise and a balanced diet are generally the most helpful daily activities for maintaining a healthy cholesterol level, however some people are prone to high cholesterol levels.

A cholesterol test measures the levels of cholesterol in your blood:

• Total cholesterol (the amount of cholesterol in your blood)
• High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - good cholesterol
• Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) - bad cholesterol
• Triglycerides – a type of fat found in the blood

Cholesterol testing involves a fast and pain-free fingertip blood test, carried out in-store by our trained staff, to help detect high cholesterol. Your pharmacist will review your results with you, offering lifestyle advice and any next steps required, in the case of high cholesterol. They will also provide a referral letter to your GP detailing your results.

Elevated levels of cholesterol can build up over time and lead to heart disease. It’s important to have your cholesterol checked regularly to identify high cholesterol and take steps to reduce levels of bad cholesterol, as needed.