Heart Health Support Programme: Cholesterol

Your GP practice is taking part in a free local NHS programme to help reduce the risk of having a heart attack or stroke.

Your local healthcare team has identified that you may benefit from a review of your cholesterol and overall heart health. This is usually because your recorded information suggests your risk of having a future heart or circulation problem may be higher than average, and you may benefit from support to reduce that risk.

This review may include updated blood tests, checking whether your QRISK score is still current, discussing lifestyle support, and deciding whether cholesterol-lowering treatment would be helpful for you.

Why is this important?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs. However, too much "bad" cholesterol (called non-HDL cholesterol) can build up inside blood vessels and increase the risk of:

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Other circulation problems

These problems often develop silently over time without symptoms. Reviewing your risk early gives you and your healthcare team the chance to prevent future problems before they happen.

What do my results mean?

Your GP practice uses important information to assess your heart risk, including:

  • Cholesterol levels
  • Blood pressure
  • Smoking status
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney health
  • Age, weight and medical history

A risk tool called QRISK3 combines this information to estimate your chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years. If some of your information is out of date, you may be offered updated checks first so your risk can be reviewed properly.


As part of this programme, you may also be offered:

  • Updated blood tests
  • A urine test to check your kidney health as well
  • An NHS Health Check if you are eligible
  • A medication review and lifestyle advice

How does this programme work?

By taking part in this free NHS programme, your local healthcare team can:

  • Review your current health information and any recent test results
  • Confirm your current heart risk using up-to-date information
  • Offer personalised advice on diet, physical activity, smoking support and other lifestyle changes
  • Discuss whether cholesterol-lowering treatment would be beneficial for you

Treatment decisions are made on an individual basis. Statins are the most common medicines used, but if a statin is not suitable for you, other options can be discussed with a clinical practitioner.


To find out more, please watch this short video from Dr Reg, our local Clinical Lead.


The video explains what cholesterol is, what your blood test results mean, how the QRISK3 tool helps estimate future risk, and why some people are offered medicine as well as lifestyle support.

Further local information can be found by visiting the Heart Health Support Programme section on the Cardiovascular health in Essex page

You can also view or download an extra helpful leaflet from the British Heart Foundation here: Understanding Cholesterol - BHF

What happens next?

Click the secure NHS portal link below and log in using:

  • Your NHS number (provided in your text message)
  • Your date of birth

In the portal, you will be asked to complete a short questionnaire so you can:

  • Confirm whether you would like to take part
  • Update relevant health information
  • Tell us whether you would like to speak to someone before deciding
  • Receive your next steps

Even if you choose not to join, please still complete the questionnaire so your preferences are recorded. If we do not hear from you, a member of the support team may contact you by telephone.