Millions worldwide have been diagnosed with high cholesterol. Unlike many other health conditions, it typically doesn’t present noticeable symptoms until too late.
This characteristic has earned it the title of a ‘silent killer’, as it can eventually lead to life-threatening events such as strokes and heart attacks. This occurs when the fatty substance accumulates, causing crucial blood vessels and arteries to become obstructed.
Heart UK advises that all adults, regardless of age, should know their cholesterol levels. A thorough cholesterol test is the only way to be certain of your risk.
The sole exception to this recommendation is pregnant women. It’s suggested that cholesterol and triglycerides naturally increase during pregnancy due to their role in hormone production and the baby’s growth and development, so tests conducted during this period may not accurately reflect your general health, reports Surrey Live.
Undergoing such a test can be intimidating, particularly for first-timers. However, the procedure is swift, relatively pain-free, and could potentially save your life.
What does a cholesterol test involve?
According to the NHS, there are two methods for conducting a cholesterol test. The most common method involves drawing a blood sample from your arm.
A needle is used to collect the sample, which is then analysed in a lab, and the results are ready within a few days. You might be advised to refrain from eating (“fast”) for up to 12 hours before a cholesterol test, but the NHS states that fasting isn’t necessary for most people.
Alternatively, some people may be able to get a finger-prick test, often available during an NHS Health Check, which is typically offered to those over 40. The procedure involves pricking your finger, collecting a drop of blood on a paper strip, and then analysing it with a machine that provides cholesterol results within minutes.
What should you expect after receiving your cholesterol test results?
If your cholesterol levels are within the normal range, this usually suggests a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases and heart issues. However, if high cholesterol is detected, a healthcare professional will discuss ways to reduce it with you.
This could involve dietary and lifestyle changes, and in many cases, medication such as statins may be prescribed to help control and decrease ‘bad’ cholesterol. It’s important to have your healthcare provider clarify the test outcomes to prevent any unnecessary concern or misunderstanding.
The results will detail your total cholesterol (TC), HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), non-HDL cholesterol (which includes mainly LDL cholesterol and other types of bad cholesterol), LDL cholesterol, and the TC:HDL ratio. Results of tests you’ve had at your GP surgery, as well as results shared with your GP, will be accessible through your online GP health record – which can be accessed here.
Your GP considers your cholesterol levels and incorporates other factors like age, blood pressure and any pre-existing health conditions to evaluate your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It’s important to realise that what is considered a ‘healthy’ cholesterol level differs individually – however, this NHS guide provides a general benchmark.
Is the doctor the only place to get a cholesterol check?
While home testing kits for cholesterol are available, their accuracy is not as good as professional tests. Heart UK advises on their website: “It’s better to have your cholesterol tested by a professional because taking blood and measuring cholesterol levels is a skilled job and your results will be affected by the way you do the test.”
If you’re looking to self-test, several at-home test kits are up for grabs in shops such as Boots or Superdrug. You can even buy online via Amazon.
What steps to take if you discover high cholesterol levels?
Doctors usually instruct their patients to implement significant lifestyle modifications, such as reducing their intake of fatty food and alcohol. Quitting smoking is strongly recommended for smokers, alongside adopting a more active lifestyle.
The NHS encourages working towards 2.5 hours of exercise per week, which may be as simple as incorporating more walking into your daily routine. Further information can be found here but, if you have any concerns, consult with your doctor to devise a plan that fits your personal circumstances.