Key facts
- The NHS in England is launching free high-street cholesterol tests at pharmacies.
- The initiative aims to reduce heart disease and stroke deaths by 25% within a decade.
- Tests are available for individuals aged 40-84 who haven't had a blood test in the past year.
- Pharmacists will provide lifestyle advice and recommend treatment, such as statins, if necessary.
- The rollout begins this autumn with approximately 100 pharmacies participating.
The NHS in England is set to introduce free finger-prick cholesterol tests at high-street pharmacies, a move aimed at significantly reducing deaths from heart disease and stroke over the next decade. This initiative is part of a broader 10-year health plan to make care more accessible within communities.
The seven-minute tests will be available to individuals aged 40 to 84 who have not had a blood test in the past year. The process involves a simple finger-prick blood sample, which is analyzed immediately. Following the test, a pharmacist prescriber will offer lifestyle advice and assess the need for treatments such as statins. Patients will receive their results via email and will also be offered a blood pressure check.
This program, described as the first of its kind globally, was announced at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual congress. David Webb, chief pharmaceutical officer for England, highlighted the potential for pharmacies to serve as a crucial first line of defense against serious illnesses by identifying risks earlier. A pilot program conducted by Barts Health NHS trust in collaboration with UCLPartners and Heart UK demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach, with nearly one in five participants identified as high-risk and at least 88 individuals starting statin treatment.
In the initial phase of the national rollout, approximately 100 NHS pharmacies across England will offer these checks starting this autumn. Dr. Sotiris Antoniou, clinical lead for the scheme, emphasized its potential to improve patient outcomes and reduce health inequalities, particularly in areas with a high burden of cardiovascular disease. Dr. Rani Khatib, NHS England’s national specialty adviser for cardiovascular disease prevention, urged individuals to be aware of risk factors like high cholesterol and blood pressure. Health minister Alison McGovern praised the innovation as a way to help people protect their health earlier and alleviate pressure on NHS services.