A program aimed at offering free cholesterol screenings is expanding to include 70 pharmacies throughout east London.
This initiative, funded by the Cabinet Office and in collaboration with St Bartholomew’s Hospital, builds on a pilot conducted in 13 pharmacies last year, with the goal of detecting early indicators of serious heart-related issues.
A quick seven-minute finger-prick blood test has been created to provide insights into an individual’s cholesterol levels and estimate their risk of experiencing heart problems over the next decade.
Sotoros Antoniou, the clinical lead of the program, reported that approximately 1,000 individuals have undergone cholesterol testing, with 163 identified as high-risk for heart attacks or strokes.
Out of these, fifty patients were prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications through the pharmacies instead of having to see their general practitioners.
“We’re focused on identifying high-risk individuals to prevent heart attacks,” Antoniou noted. “The cost of treating a heart attack significantly outweighs that of implementing preventative measures.”
The service also links participants to resources for healthier lifestyles, offering guidance on nutrition, physical activity, and smoking cessation.
In an interview with BBC London at a participating pharmacy in Poplar, Antoniou explained that the initiative targets “more socially deprived areas,” which see higher rates of cardiovascular disease.
“We aim to involve community pharmacies to enhance testing accessibility, allowing us to reach high-risk individuals and initiate treatment before they require hospitalization,” he added.
Shilpa Patel, a local resident who opted for the free cholesterol test in Poplar, shared her motivation: “My parents dealt with high cholesterol, and my dad passed away young from a heart attack. I believe I am at a stage in my life where monitoring these issues is crucial.”
Darren Jones, the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister, stated that the program is part of broader initiatives to make more services available in pharmacies, thereby alleviating pressure on GP practices.
“This scheme is currently under evaluation, enabling a comparison of costs and savings that may arise from it,” he mentioned. If deemed successful, cholesterol testing in pharmacies could be implemented nationwide.
