GP says 7-minute test can show if you are at risk of stroke or heart attack

GP says 7-minute test can show if you are at risk of stroke or heart attack A study found one in five people assessed were at risk of a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 yhears A GP has urged people to take a seven-minute test as it could show if they are an increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. Nearly 170,000 people die in the UK each year of heart and circulatory diseases - that is about 460 deaths per day or one every three minutes - according to the British Heart Foundation. However one major cause of heart issues, raised cholesterol, often remains hidden as it has few symptoms. A finger-prick test available at participating pharmacies can measure cholesterol in under seven minutes, while a broader assessment can help identify people who may be at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. A study led by Barts Health NHS Trust, delivered more than 1,200 tests between January 2025 and February 2026. Its evaluation found that around one in five people assessed were at high risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years. Now GP, Dr Asiya Maula, is urging people to get their cholesterol checked, warning that understanding their overall cardiovascular risk is about more than a single number. And she is warning people that the problem can go unnoticed for years because raised cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. A finger-prick test available at participating pharmacies can measure cholesterol in under seven minutes, while a broader assessment can help identify people who may be at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. The GP at The Health Suite, says the findings of the study highlight the value of looking beyond cholesterol alone. She says: "Cholesterol is an important piece of the puzzle, but it doesn’t tell us everything about someone’s cardiovascular health. We also need to consider blood pressure, family history, lifestyle and other medical conditions. "Two people can have the same cholesterol level but very different cardiovascular risks. A check can be a useful starting point for understanding your overall health and deciding whether anything needs further investigation.” Why a cholesterol result is only part of the picture The pilot’s one-in-five finding relates to the wider cardiovascular risk assessment, not the cholesterol test alone. The broader assessment considers factors including blood pressure and other relevant health information. Depending on the results, pharmacists can offer advice, arrange treatment where appropriate or refer people to their GP. The latest Health Survey for England found that 48 per cent of adults had raised cholesterol in 2024. NHS England also reported that high cholesterol was the fifth most-viewed health condition on its website in 2025, attracting 1.7 million views. However, a raised reading does not automatically mean someone will have a heart attack or stroke. It needs to be considered alongside other risk factors to understand what it means for that individual. Dr Maula said: “If your cholesterol is raised, it’s worth asking what might be contributing to it and whether other aspects of your health need checking. Diet and lifestyle can influence cholesterol, but genetics and other medical conditions can play a role, too. Some inherited conditions, such as familial hypercholesterolaemia, can cause particularly high cholesterol levels and increase cardiovascular risk.” What should you do if your cholesterol is high? Dr Maula says the next step should be to understand the result rather than make assumptions. She says: "Some people may benefit from changes to their diet and lifestyle, while others may need medication. The important thing is to speak to a healthcare professional who can assess your overall risk and advise on the right approach for you.” People aged 40 to 84 who meet the scheme’s eligibility criteria may be able to access a check at participating pharmacies. Availability varies, so check with your local pharmacy before visiting.