Cholesterol
According to the British Heart Foundation (BHF), almost two-thirds of the UK population have cholesterol levels higher than the recommended limit, and almost half of all deaths from coronary heart disease in the UK are due to raised cholesterol. If you are over 50, knowing your cholesterol level – and bringing it down – is vital.

It is important to differentiate between LDL (‘bad’) cholesterol, which leaves deposits on blood vessel walls that result in them getting clogged up, and HDL (‘good’) cholesterol, which takes these deposits back to the liver for recycling.

As many as 1 in 5 adults, of all ages, have high cholesterol. A total cholesterol number above 240 is considered high, while a total cholesterol level above 200 increases the risk of heart disease.

Blood Test
Measuring cholesterol involves a simple blood test, which may be taken either by using a needle and a syringe, or by using a finger prick. This may be done at a GP’s surgery, at a hospital appointment, or as part of a health assessment.

In May 2004, the British government announced that Statins (a drug used in the treatment of cholesterol) would be available over the counter, which in turn has led some stores, including Boots, to offer a free testing service.

This involves a small pinprick on your finger, which enables the pharmacist to work out your total cholesterol level. After your test result, the pharmacist will ask you a few more questions, the whole process usually taking about five minutes from start to finish.

There are also a number of home cholesterol tests available from chemists, but, as with home tests for osteoporosis, bowel cancer and even Alzheimer’s disease, they should only be used as a guide (see ‘Home testing’). Home-testing kits for cholesterol, in particular can sometimes be unreliable. Cholesterol is just one of the risk factors for heart disease, so it should be measured under medical supervision so that other important issues, such as blood pressure, age and whether or not you smoke, are taken into account.