Same-day finger-prick cholesterol and glucose test with pharmacist consultation. Total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides and blood glucose measured in a 30-minute appointment. Printed results plus QRisk3 cardiovascular risk score handed to you on the day.
Fast in advance: nothing to eat or drink (except water) for 9–12 hours before for accurate triglyceride and glucose readings. Bring any existing readings — we’ll compare and track trends.
Clinical brief · Cardiovascular risk
Why this test matters.
Three things to understand before booking.
Cholesterol & Glucose Test — Travel-ready in one visit
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance carried in your blood by lipoproteins. LDL (“bad”) deposits in artery walls. HDL (“good”) clears it. Triglycerides are another fat type. Together with blood glucose, they tell us your cardiovascular and diabetes risk.
Who should test?
Adults over 40 should have a baseline at least every 5 years. Earlier and more often if you have: family history of heart disease, South Asian or African-Caribbean heritage, high blood pressure, overweight, smoker, diabetic, or on cholesterol-lowering medication.
What is QRisk3?
The NHS-validated 10-year cardiovascular risk score — combines your cholesterol with age, blood pressure, weight, smoking and family history to give a single percentage chance of stroke or heart attack in the next 10 years. We calculate it from your results.
Symptoms to watch for
Why screening before symptoms?
High cholesterol has no symptoms — by the time you notice signs, damage has often begun.
Chest pain
Angina — narrowed coronary arteries.
Breathlessness
On exertion or rest.
Stroke risk
Sudden weakness, slurred speech.
Xanthelasma
Yellow patches around eyes.
Leg pain on walking
Peripheral arterial disease.
Fatigue
Reduced blood flow.
Tendon xanthomas
Lumps over Achilles or knuckles.
Eligibility checklist
You should book the test if…
You are aged 40+ and want a baseline lipid profile.
You have a family history of heart attack or stroke under age 60.
You are South Asian or African-Caribbean — earlier risk profile.
You are on cholesterol-lowering medication and want to track.
Your GP suggested testing and there’s a long wait.
Fast 9–12 hours before for the most accurate triglyceride and glucose readings. Non-fasting test still useful — we’ll flag any limitations on the printout.
Triglycerides and glucose are more accurate after fasting. Total cholesterol and HDL are similar fasting or not. If you can’t fast, book anyway — most of the panel is still reliable.
The CardioChek devices we use are CE-marked clinical-grade — within ~5% of venous lab tests for cholesterol and glucose. Good enough for screening and tracking. If results are borderline, your GP may request a venous repeat.
Yes — typical retest interval is 3–6 months after starting a lifestyle change (diet, exercise, weight loss). We track your numbers if you stay with us.