Healthy Heart Check Service
Are You Worried About Your Cholesterol?
The prevalence of cardiovascular disease accounts for 32% of all global deaths each year, yet much of it is preventable with regular monitoring and early action. A simple blood test can reveal whether you are at risk of developing heart conditions such as coronary artery disease, stroke, or heart attack. That’s exactly what the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is designed to do.
At our pharmacy, you can book a one-to-one check-up with a trained healthcare professional or healthcare assistant, or choose a self-testing kit to complete at home. Both options provide detailed insights into your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and overall heart health.
Our services also include optional blood pressure measurement, helping you better understand how your heart and blood vessels are working together. This combination of assessment and prevention gives you the tools to take control of your long-term health.
What Is Tested?
The PocDoc test measures 5 lipid markers:
- HDL cholesterol
- Non-HDL cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Total cholesterol
- Total cholesterol-to-HDL ratio
Understanding these test results allows you to see how your blood vessels are affected by high cholesterol and where improvements may be needed. These details are presented in an easy-to-understand review, along with your “heart age” and your 10-year risk of stroke or heart attack.
Additional Diagnostic Options
In some cases, further tests may be required:
- ECG (electrocardiogram) to record the electrical activity of your heart
- Exercise ECG to see how your heart and blood vessels respond to exercise
- Tilt test for unexplained fainting or dizziness
- Coronary angiogram using a radioactive substance to assess the coronary arteries
- Chest X-ray or X-ray imaging to check the lungs, heart muscle, and surrounding structures
These assessments can help diagnose conditions such as coronary artery disease, kidney disease, or even early signs of dementia linked to poor circulation.
Take Control of Your Heart Health
More than 7 million people in the UK live with circulatory and heart conditions, but with regular check-ups and monitoring, outcomes can be improved. Campaigns from the British Heart Foundation remind us that small changes like eating well, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking can dramatically lower your risk.
With PocDoc, you have access to modern tests, instant assessment, and clear details about your health. Whether you are managing symptoms such as fatigue or looking for reassurance due to a family history of heart problems, our pharmacy team is here to provide the support and services you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I check if my heart is healthy?
You can check your heart health by booking a healthy heart check at Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy. The service looks at your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other risk factors to see how your heart and blood vessels are working.
2. What is a healthy heart check NHS?
An NHS Health Check is a free programme for people aged 40–74. It looks at your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and family history to assess your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or kidney disease. Our pharmacy service follows similar standards and gives you results quickly.
3. What is done in a heart health check?
A heart health check includes a finger-prick blood test, a blood pressure reading, and sometimes an ECG to check the electrical activity of your heart. At Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy, you’ll also get a review of your test results and simple advice on how to improve your health.
4. What are the signs of an unhealthy heart?
Common signs of an unhealthy heart include chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular pulse, extreme tiredness, or swelling in the legs. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should book a check-up or speak to a doctor straight away.
5. How long does a heart health check take?
Most appointments at our pharmacy take around 20–30 minutes. You’ll get your test results in minutes, and a trained member of our team will discuss them with you before you leave.
6. Can I do the test at home?
Yes. We offer PocDoc home testing kits that you can buy from Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy. They include full instructions, and you’ll get your results by uploading a photo of the test into the PocDoc app.
7. Who should get a healthy heart check?
Anyone aged 40–74 is encouraged to have an NHS Health Check, especially if you have a family history of heart problems or high blood pressure. Younger people with symptoms or known heart conditions can also benefit from the pharmacy’s private services.
8. What does a high blood pressure reading mean?
High blood pressure (hypertension) means your heart is working harder to pump blood around the body. Over time, this can damage the coronary arteries and increase the risk of stroke or heart attack.
9. Will I get treatment after my test?
The pharmacy team can give lifestyle advice such as diet changes, more exercise, or how to stop smoking. If needed, your results can be shared with your GP to look at treatment or prescribed medicines.
10. Why should I choose Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy for a heart check?
We work with trusted healthcare professionals and use the PocDoc system to give fast, accurate diagnosis. Our pharmacy provides a welcoming environment, and you’ll benefit from local support without long NHS waiting times.
