Can I have Cholesterol tested in GP Surgery?

[Shezad12]

Hi

I am 39 years old turning 40 this month.

I know that it's the age when you need to start having cholesterol checks every 4 years from your 40th.

I have not shown symptoms of high cholesterol in the past but I am concerned about it as there is a family history of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

I'm 5'5 & slim with visceral fat all around my and & 80kg. Since the lockdown I've not exercised much beside jogging twice a week. I used to go to the gym more often before they closed due to Covid concerns.

I also suffer from epilepsy since birth that so far is controlled with meds past 2 month.

I try to eat healthily but don't micromanage what I eat.

Unfortunately I cannot be tested in the Health Centre due to concerns over Covid.

Would anyone recommend ordering a cholesterol and blood pressure (BP) testing kit online?

BP has been within the normal range and my BMI is 29.5, close to Obese which is 30 onwards.

[Hidden]

Has your GP surgery refused to let you have a lipid test (cholesterol and triglycerides)?

[Galen70]

nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-healt...

Gp practices are probably not doing routine checks at present. You can get a lipid check @ pharmacies , Its just as far as I know a total cholesterol measurement, not the full breakdown with triglycerides, LDL, HDL chol. But it might be a start. Remember it must be a fasting sample to be accurate. Some pharmacies do a blood pressure check.

You can buy a blood pressure cuff from Amazon, there are various types. Take measurements at different times of day for a more accurate picture.

you can calculate your cardiac risks using Qrisk3 : qrisk.org/three/

exercise and watching your weight will keep you healthy

[Shezad12]

I was not aware of the lipid test and have not been told about it by the receptionist that told me they not doing health checks are moment.

I guess I have to wait until I'm really ill.

[Hidden in reply to Shezad12]

I have my annual tests coming up in September. If you have a family history of diabetes, hypertension and heart disease and are overweight then that, in my view, takes it out of the routine category.

[Shezad12 in reply to Hidden]

My father's mother was diabetic, his father was hypertension & high blood pressure. My father and 4 of his 5 brothers are diabetic and all had heart attacks.

My father was 37 - 40 when he was diagnosed with diabetes due to genetic and lifestyle factors e.g diet and smoking.

I'm borderline obese, not a smoker nor do I consume alcohol for faith reasons and I have epilepsy since birth.