Cholesterol is a fat (or lipid) that is carried around our body in the blood.
At an NHS Health Check, your cholesterol will be tested. Your health professional will take a sample of blood from you by using a needle and syringe, or by pricking your finger.
Afterwards, your healthcare professional may discuss your cholesterol result. If necessary, you'll be offered advice and support to help you achieve a healthy level of cholesterol.
Why cholesterol matters
It is vital that we have enough cholesterol if our bodies are to work properly. But too much cholesterol can cause our arteries to become blocked, which increases our risk of heart disease and stroke.
Blocked arteries occur when excess cholesterol and other fatty substances attach themselves to the walls of the arteries, causing them to become narrower or 'furred up', meaning that blood cannot pass through as easily. Over time, partially blocked arteries also become hardened and inflamed, increasing the risk of breakage.
All this increases the risk of a range of vascular diseases, such as heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.
High cholesterol itself doesn't cause any symptoms. This means that you could have high cholesterol and not know about it.
The only way to know your cholesterol level is to have it tested.
Your cholesterol
If you've already had your cholesterol test, learn more in Your cholesterol result.
