High cholesterol usually has no symptoms, so a blood test is the only reliable way to know your levels. Mark's Pharmacy in Ardee, Co. Louth, offers finger-prick cholesterol testing with results during your appointment.
You can feel healthy and full of energy and still have cholesterol levels that raise your risk of heart disease.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance in your blood. Your body needs some to build healthy cells and make certain hormones.
Too much of certain types, though, can lead to fatty deposits building up in your arteries. Over time this restricts blood flow and raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
There are two main types:
- LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol): high levels can add to fatty build-up in your arteries
- HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol): carries excess cholesterol back to your liver to be removed
Your overall heart risk depends on more than one cholesterol number.
Does High Cholesterol Cause Symptoms?
Usually not. High cholesterol doesn't typically cause pain, tiredness or visible changes, so you could have it for years without knowing. A blood test is the most reliable way to find out.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
- Diet: regularly eating foods high in saturated fat can raise LDL cholesterol
- Inactivity: too little exercise affects heart health
- Smoking: damages blood vessels and increases heart risk
- Genetics: some people inherit conditions that cause high cholesterol
- Age: cholesterol and heart risk can change as you get older
- Other conditions: diabetes, an underactive thyroid and some other conditions can affect cholesterol
Even people with healthy lifestyles can have high cholesterol, especially when it runs in the family.
Who Should Get a Cholesterol Test?
Testing is particularly worth considering if you:
- Are aged 40 or over
- Have a family history of heart disease or high cholesterol
- Have high blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Smoke
- Have had a raised cholesterol result before
- Have been advised to monitor your heart health
Not sure if you need one? Our pharmacists or your GP can advise. If you're also concerned about blood sugar, read about our HbA1c diabetes test.
Cholesterol Testing at Mark's Pharmacy, Ardee
Our cholesterol test uses a small finger-prick sample. Depending on the test, results can include total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides.
Results are usually ready during your appointment. Our pharmacy team will explain them and let you know if you should see your GP. Cholesterol results are best read alongside your age, blood pressure, smoking status and medical history.
It's a local, convenient check for people in Ardee, Dunleer, Collon, Castlebellingham and nearby parts of Meath.
How to Lower Your Cholesterol
- Eat a balanced diet. Cut back on saturated fat and eat more fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and fibre.
- Stay active. Regular exercise supports heart health and can improve your cholesterol.
- Stop smoking. Quitting improves heart health and lowers your risk of heart disease.
- Manage your weight. If you're overweight, gradual, steady weight loss may help.
- Follow medical advice. Some people need cholesterol-lowering medication as well as lifestyle changes, especially those at higher risk.
Cholesterol Test FAQs
Where can I get a cholesterol test in Ardee?
Mark's Pharmacy in Ardee, Co. Louth, offers finger-prick cholesterol testing.
How quickly do I get cholesterol test results?
Results are usually available during your appointment.
Can you have high cholesterol and feel fine?
Yes. High cholesterol usually causes no symptoms, which is why testing matters.
Book a Cholesterol Test in Ardee
You don't need to feel unwell to benefit from knowing your cholesterol. A quick test can show whether further assessment is a good idea.
Book your cholesterol test at Mark's Pharmacy, Ardee
Cholesterol screening is not a complete assessment of heart risk. Your GP can review your results alongside your medical history and other risk factors.
