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Cholesterol Screening-Only Available in our Bunree Store

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of fat found in your blood. You need a certain amount of cholesterol for all your body cells and to produce important hormones. However, if there is too much cholesterol in your blood, it sticks to your artery walls to form atheroma or plaque. There are two main types of cholesterol: HDL cholesterol (high density lipoprotein) and LDL cholesterol (low density lipoprotein).

The Two main Types of Cholesterol:

HDL cholesterol is called good cholesterol or healthy cholesterol.  This is because HDL cholesterol mops up the "bad" cholesterol in your arteries and carries it to your liver.  In the liver the "bad" cholesterol is broken down and passed out of your body. Regular physical activity and exercise can help increase your HDL level. High levels of HDL cholesterol can protect you against having a heart attack or a stroke.

LDL cholesterol travels from your liver through your arteries to other parts of your body. LDL is called "bad" cholesterol because it sticks to the walls in your arteries - making them narrow. This reduces the blood supply to your heart or brain. Eating too many foods high in saturated fat can raise your LDL cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Why should I have a cholesterol check-up?

High cholesterol increases your risk of developing serious health conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Peolple with high cholesterol often present with no symptoms.  Uncontrollable Factors such as family history, age, gender can affect cholesterol levels.  Controllable factors include diet, weight and physical activity. 

Who is the cholesterol check-up for?

If you are over 18 and are 

• being treated with lipid lowering medicines or have diabetes
• have previously had a cholesterol test that identified raised cholesterol
• are taking supplements to lower cholesterol

The test will enable you to track improvements and help motivate you to continue to manage your heart health.

In addition, if you fall into one of the categories below, we also strongly recommend that you visit us for a check-up:

• You are over 40 years old
• You are of South Asian or African Caribbean origin
• You have any immediate family members under the age of 55 if male (e.g. brother/father) or 65 if female (e.g. sister/mother) who have/had heart disease
• You have high blood pressure
• You are a smoker
• You are overweight
• You have a family history of high cholesterol levels
• You lead an inactive lifestyle


How much is the Cholesterol Check?

The Cholesterol Check costs €10

What happens during the cholesterol test and check up?

It is preferable to preform the test in the morning after fasting. The service will be delivered in the consultation room. A small drop of blood will be taken from the tip of your finger, and you will be given your results within 10 minutes. The pharmacist will then review your results with you and will share advise on the simple steps you can take to keep your heart and cholesterol levels healthy, such as:

  • Stopping Smoking

  • Reducing alcohol testing and reducing saturated fat intake

  • Increasing activity levels

  • Increasing the amount of Fruit and Vegetables you eat

  • Reaching a healthy weight (this can include gaining and losing weight)

  • Supplements that are available to reduce cholesterol including Red Yeast Rice and  Sterols

  • Having a medicines check-up, if you are taking any new medication for any other condition.

You may then be asked to attend a follow-up appointment to assess your progress against your action plan. If appropriate, you may be referred to your GP


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