What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. It is mostly made by the liver but is also found in some foods. A small amount of cholesterol is important for your body to carry out certain functions.
However, having too much cholesterol in the body can cause narrowing of the arteries leading to the heart and brain, significantly contributing to the risk of heart attack or stroke.
How does a cholesterol test work?
The total cholesterol test measures the following:
- Total Cholesterol, the total amount of cholesterol in your blood
- HDL, high density lipoprotein (good cholesterol)
- LDL, low density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol)
- Triglycerides, a type of fat found in the blood
The test is fast and pain free. It involves taking a single drop of blood from your finger tip and analysing it in a cholesterol test system. Once your results are available our pharmacist will review your results with you and can offer lifestyle or diet advice if your cholesterol level is slightly higher than normal.
The following stores are able to provide instant cholesterol results: Balbriggan, Ballincollig, West St. Drogheda, Dundalk, Grafton St., Henry St., Navan SC, Phibsboro SC, Terenure, The Square SC.
Please note other stores use an accredited medical laboratory for sample analysis. Tests in these stores are available anytime Monday to Thursday and before 9.30am on Friday mornings.
As this service is dependent on having trained staff on duty, pease contact the store directly to check availability to conduct the test.
Why is it important to monitor high cholesterol?
Increased levels of cholesterol can over time lead to heart disease so it is important to be aware of your cholesterol level. Regular exercise and a balanced diet can generally help to maintain your cholesterol within the normal range although some patients are prone to higher cholesterol levels. Taking a cholesterol test will identify if your cholesterol level is within the normal range.
In cases where we identify a higher than expected cholesterol level we will provide you with expert advice, product, diet and lifestyle recommendations and when required a referral letter with your results for you to discuss with your GP.
Where Is This Service Available
This service is dependent on having trained staff on duty. Please contact the store directly for availability.
Fantastic pharmacy stock a wide range of everything and not to mention the fast and friendly staff always very friendly and welcoming definitely worth a visit and completely recommendCarla
Excellent Pharmacy very friendly and helpful staff ,if they do not have it they will order it in what super service!Pauline
Great people delivering great services & smiles!Tony
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