How often/at what age are cholesterol levels tested on the NHS?

I have a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol, in people who aren't particularly large.  My aunt (who is now terminally ill) had incredibly high cholesterol that had to be treated with drugs.  She ate very little and was always very underweight.

When I go to the doctor here, they see that I have a BMI on the low side of normal and low blood presure and send me merrily on my way, even though they know I have a family history of heart disease.


I had my cholesterol tested when I first moved here (I wasn't given the result but told that it was normal), but that was almost five years ago.

In the US, I had a full blood work done every year.

I am 44 years old.

Speak to your GP - tell them you want to have the tests done.  If they won't do it, try a different GP.  I am large & have a family history of high cholesterol, heart disease & diabetes.  I think they do my bloodwork every two years, but I make a point to ask the doctor about it when I go in for a visit.  He (or she) looks on the computer to see when I had it last done & if it's been two years, then they do it.  I go to the doctor regularly anyway (every 4-6 months or so) for having my blood pressure checked & a medicine check.  Although if there was a symptomatic reason for concern, I think they would do it sooner.

You also might be able to have it checked at your local pharmacy, probably for a charge.

Lloyds Pharmacy offers this service for £15:

http://www.lloydspharmacy.com/wps/portal/services/cholesterolandheartcheck

I thought Boots did something similar - I think some time ago, they offered a free one for anyone 45 or older.  Not sure what Boots is offering now, if anything.

Coincidentally, I just went for a cholesterol test yesterday morning on the NHS.  I'm also 44 years old and not overweight and have a family history of high cholesterol and heart attacks.  I think the difference is that high cholesterol and and heart disease is present in one of my parents rather than a more distant relative, and indeed I have high cholesterol myself in spite of taking statins.

Coincidentally, I just went for a cholesterol test yesterday morning on the NHS.  I'm also 44 years old and not overweight and have a family history of high cholesterol and heart attacks.  I think the difference is that high cholesterol and and heart disease is present in one of my parents rather than a more distant relative, and indeed I have high cholesterol myself in spite of taking statins.

Where you diagnosed with high cholesterol while you are in the UK or did you already know you had high cholesterol and needed statins when you came here?

My dad had heart disease. I just mentioned my aunt because she has always been extremely skinny.

I have found that the doctors I've been to on the NHS are very reluctant to order preventive tests when there isn't already anything obviously wrong with you.

It took me about three years to convince them to give me a thyroid test despite the fact that my sister was diagnosed with a thyroid disorder when she was the same age as me.

Have you asked your GP for another cholesterol test?

No, but I will do.

I just feel like they will tell me I don't need one so I don't look forward to asking.

I was hoping that at some point they would automatically test me, like they give me a smear every three years, so I didn't have to ask.

Oh gosh, just ask!  You probably have figured out by now that the NHS is not like the US system, having been here for so long, and you have to ask to get.

I have a history of high blood pressure and I do not get mine tested regularly here in the US unless I bring it up.  I also brought it up when I was living in the UK and they tested it for me without a problem.

I know I should ask and I will. It's just that they sometimes give "attitude" when you ask -  so I don't like to.

But I will.

Geeta, I'm suprised you don't get your BP tested in the US.

I always had my BP tested whenever I saw a doctor in the US, no matter what I was there for. As soon as I went in to the examing room the nurse would automatically put a BP cuff around my arm.

Yes, you need to speak up & ask.  

I've had to do it in the US before too, as have other people I have been close to.  I don't find it uncommon in either healthcare system (US or UK) that a person often has to advocate for yourself or for those you love to make sure you get the needed care.

Where you diagnosed with high cholesterol while you are in the UK or did you already know you had high cholesterol and needed statins when you came here?

I was diagnosed and treated with a statin before I came to the UK.  I gave my history at the initial appointment here and the doctor ordered a cholesterol test.  It came back sky high so they put me on a statin.  My treatment here has been nearly identical to the treatment I received in the US.

I agree with the others - it can't hurt to ask.  If they don't want to do the test and you think you need it then you can still pay for it yourself through Lloyds as Mrs Robinson suggested.

I have high cholesterol on one side of my family that is largely only treatable with drugs. On the other side of my family, it's normal but there is a history of heart attacks.

I had mine tested in the UK and was told by my doctor that unless I massively gained weight or got ill, I only needed to check it once every 5 years-ish. I was probably about 35 at the time I had it done and was overweight as well. I since have had it tested a age 39 and again, it was fine. This is despite a diet fairly rich in meat and cheese!

My understanding was that if you get tested and have high cholesterol, you need to first try diet to correct it. Then if that doesn't work, try drugs. I have also heard that cholesterol that does NOT respond well to drugs is less likely to be dangerous. I wish I could find the article where I saw this as I'd love to see if this is common thought. My grandmother is an example of having this and she's over 90 now.

My point with all this is that there may be some differing views amongst GPs as to how often and why you should be tested.

Geeta, I'm suprised you don't get your BP tested in the US.

Sorry, I meant high cholesterol!! Not high BP. Although I had a spell of high BP for a while a couple months ago and it was checked closely. But it's resolved itself.

I don't find it uncommon in either healthcare system (US or UK) that a person often has to advocate for yourself or for those you love to make sure you get the needed care.

I agree.
If they give you an attitude, then get a GP who listens to you. I went through the entire round (4 of them!!) at my practice before I found the one I liked. He's fantastic.