Private cholesterol test

[Wooodsie]

Has anyone tried the private cholesterol tests? If so which would you recommend?

I had my bypass in September last year and am on 40mg statins daily. I just want to know what's going on inside me, I haven't had my cholesterol checked since way back when. I'm surprised they don't do it regularly.

Thanks,

Steve

[Mart25]

I have not tried private cholesterol tests but leaving you untested after a bypass is (I think) not acceptable. After my bypass last October the hospital asked my GP (in my post-operation discharge letter) to do a cholesterol test at 3 months post surgery. I was given a target total cholesterol and LDL level. I think the same should have happened for you. I really think you should ask your GP for a test so that your statin dose can be adjusted if necessary.

[Wooodsie in reply to Mart25]

Thanks, seems like a good idea. I will ask.

[popeyeuk]

Hello .. yes I have had 3 cholesterol tests and used an online service called letsgetchecked.. fast and efficient and the tests seem pretty accurate.. its all done online and by mail..

[Wooodsie in reply to popeyeuk]

Thanks Popeyeuk, I will all the Dr in the morning and if no joy, I'll give letsgetchecked a go. In fact, I may do both so if possible, I'll get a comparison. If I do, I'll let you know if they are accurate.

[fergusthegreat]

Why can't you just ask your Gp for a cholesterol test?

[Wooodsie in reply to fergusthegreat]

I'll give them a go today

[fergusthegreat in reply to Wooodsie]

How did you get on?

[Dj1962]

Since my bypass i have a CHD blood test at my Doctors every 6 months..

[Wooodsie in reply to Dj1962]

I think that shd be standard

[Gail1967]

After my bypass at 51 with no risk factors I was lucky to be referred to a hereditary cardiologist to try to find out why. Got the answer but have found since GPs don’t understand it so I still feel like I’m hitting my head against a brick wall sometimes. I do have 6 monthly tests- last time gp said all fine- but I knew they had a letter saying if my ldl increased I needed another med on top of statin - which they had ignored. I think self education even self testing at own cost is way to keep yourself safe! Good luck

[Wooodsie in reply to Gail1967]

Funny you should say that. I had a blood test for something else long ago. When the Dr checked the test on his computer it was written abnormal in big red letters. He said is was normal and when I pointed out the red lettering, he said ignore that!!!

[No11]

As others have said, you should have had another test within 12 weeks from the first. Also, your liver function needs assessing as well. Having been taking statins since October my latest blood test shows they may have caused some liver damage, the doctor has told me to stop taking the statins and to have another blood test in 4 weeks.

[Wooodsie in reply to No11]

Thank you. I'll ask about the liver test too.

[Moi54]

I've used Thriva online in the past, quick and efficient and good value I feel.

[Wooodsie in reply to Moi54]

Thank you

[Philipr2217]

Steve Try Harefeild hospital you can get referred to them on the NHS from any where in the country . My GP was a bit unhelpful at first their the gold standard.

I dont know your condition ? But you may need a test for familiar hyperlipademia an

in herited condition which causes high colesteral and cornary artery disease .

Hope this helps

Phil

[Philipr2217]

Steve Research a drug called praluent its expensive and GP are not to good at dispensing it due to cost - it usually has to come direct from a consultant - mines sent home delivery

Phil

[Wooodsie in reply to Philipr2217]

Hi Phil,

Thanks for both of your replies. Sadly Harefield is a touch too far (2 hours), but I will research praluent and inherited hyperlipademia; sounds interesting, although nobody in my family has had a heart condition, before me that is 🤷‍♂️

Best wishes,

Steve

[Ianc2]

Ask for a print out of your test. You are entitled to it.

[84green]

I use Thriva and find them very good.

I have CAD but no stent or surgery. On diagnosis, the cardiologist gave a target of total cholesterol below 4mmol/L and LDL below 1.8mmol/L. It wasn’t high before but 20mg Rosuvastatin has taken it well below this. That and exercise has also taken my HDL up.

You should also have a liver function test as statins can, very rarely, affect the liver (which produces the majority of your cholesterol).

[Wooodsie in reply to 84green]

Thank you 😊