Heart Health Support Programme: Cholesterol

Your GP practice is taking part in a local NHS programme to help reduce the risk of future heart attack and stroke in people with heart or circulation disease.

Your healthcare team has identified that you may benefit from a review of your cholesterol treatment. This is usually because you have previously had a heart condition, stroke or circulation problem and your current cholesterol treatment may need checking, restarting or adjusting.

This review is about reducing the chance of further cardiovascular problems. It may involve checking whether your current treatment is being collected, reviewing recent cholesterol results, and discussing whether a change in treatment would help lower your risk further.

Why is this important?

After a heart attack, stroke or circulation problem, cholesterol control becomes especially important. Too much "bad" cholesterol (called non-HDL cholesterol, and sometimes LDL cholesterol) can continue to build up inside blood vessels and increase the risk of another event.

  • Heart attack
  • Stroke
  • Other circulation problems

Even if you feel well, treatment and prevention is still important. Cholesterol problems do not usually cause regular symptoms, so review helps make sure your treatment is still giving you the right protection.

What do my results mean?

Your local healthcare team may review some or all of the following as part of this programme:

  • Recent cholesterol blood test results
  • Whether your current cholesterol medicine is being collected and taken
  • Whether your cholesterol level is at the right target for you
  • Whether your medicine still suits you well

For people who already have cardiovascular disease, cholesterol targets are usually stricter because the aim is to reduce the risk of a further event. If your cholesterol remains above target, your local healthcare team may recommend a dose change or another cholesterol-lowering medicine in addition to, or instead of, your current treatment.

How does this programme work?

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

  • Review your recent cholesterol results and current treatment
  • Check whether you need support with taking or collecting your medicine
  • Discuss whether your treatment should be continued, restarted or adjusted
  • Offer personalised advice to support your heart health, such as diet and nutrition

Statins are the most common cholesterol-lowering medicines, but some people may benefit from a different dose or from other medicines as well. Treatment decisions are made on an individual basis after clinical review.

If you have questions about benefits, side effects or which option may suit you best, you can ask to speak to a clinical practitioner before any decision is made.

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 in this heart health improvement programme
  • Tell us about your current treatment, your preferences, and any concerns you might have
  • Let us know if you would like to speak to someone
  • 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.