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Seven-Minute Test Flags Heart Attack/Stroke Risk
1 Nov
Summary
- A quick finger-prick test can identify high cholesterol levels.
- Cardiovascular disease causes 26% of UK deaths annually.
- One in five people in a study showed high risk of heart attack/stroke.
A swift seven-minute finger-prick test, available at pharmacies across the UK, can now help identify individuals at higher risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke. This initiative is championed by Dr. Asiya Maula, a GP emphasizing the importance of cholesterol checks as a significant factor in cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality in the UK, accounting for approximately 26% of all deaths, with around 460 lives lost daily. High cholesterol, often a silent risk factor without noticeable symptoms, is a primary contributor to CVD. Dr. Maula highlights that while cholesterol is key, other factors like blood pressure and lifestyle also play a role in assessing overall risk.
Recent studies, including one involving over 1,200 tests, revealed that approximately one in five individuals assessed were found to be at high risk of a heart attack or stroke within the next decade. Pharmacists can offer guidance based on test results, potentially referring patients to their GP for further evaluation or treatment, addressing dietary, lifestyle, or genetic influences on cholesterol levels.
