High-street pharmacies throughout England are set to offer free seven-minute cholesterol tests as part of a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing deaths caused by heart disease and stroke. This quick, pin-prick test will analyse a patient’s cholesterol levels, enabling pharmacist prescribers to provide tailored lifestyle advice and assess whether medical treatment is necessary, according to NHS England.
The pilot programme will take place in around 100 pharmacies, offering the test to eligible patients aged between 40 and 84 who are not pregnant and have not had a blood test in the previous year. Along with the cholesterol check, patients will also receive a blood pressure assessment, and their results will be delivered via email.
David Webb, Chief Pharmaceutical Officer for England, emphasised the importance of accessible health checks: “Your local pharmacy can be a vital first line of defence against serious illness. By making it easier for people to obtain a quick and convenient cholesterol health check on their local high street, we can identify potential issues sooner, enabling timely action to prevent heart attacks and strokes.”
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He added that the programme forms part of a broader initiative within the NHS’s 10-Year Health Plan to bring care closer to patients’ communities by involving pharmacies in delivering services traditionally offered in GP surgeries.
This rollout follows a successful pilot in north London coordinated by Barts Health NHS Trust in partnership with UCL Partners and HEART UK. Between January 2025 and March 2026, 2,493 patients were tested across 61 community pharmacies. Among these, 19% were deemed suitable for pharmacological treatment, with 88 patients commencing statin therapy.
Dr Rani Khatib, NHS England’s National Specialty Advisor for Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, highlighted the importance of awareness: “Everyone should be aware of common risk factors, including high cholesterol and blood pressure, and ‘know their numbers’. This initiative helps individuals manage their risk factors earlier, reducing their chances of heart attacks or strokes.”
Dr Sotiris Antoniou, Divisional Director for Clinical Services at Barts Health NHS Trust and clinical lead for the programme, commented: “Our robust, quality-assured model for point-of-care testing in community pharmacies has proven effective. Scaling this approach across England will equip pharmacists to detect cardiovascular risks earlier and take timely action through advice and treatment. This has the potential to improve health outcomes and reduce inequalities, especially in communities most affected by cardiovascular disease.”
Chris Laing, Chief Executive of UCLPartners, remarked: “Our research showed that one in five people tested in north London faced a high risk of heart attack or stroke within ten years. Early detection allowed pharmacies to offer lifestyle advice or refer patients promptly to GPs, benefits we are now extending nationwide.”
Health Minister Alison McGovern praised the programme, saying: “This innovation makes cholesterol checks quick and accessible at local pharmacies, enabling people to identify potential health issues early and take preventative measures. Early detection helps prevent serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes, supporting longer, healthier lives and easing pressure on NHS services.”
Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, welcomed the announcement: “This is a historic and positive advancement. We advocate for expanding the role of community pharmacies to provide a wider range of care with appropriate NHS support. Increased pharmacy prescribing, expanding Pharmacy First services, and enhanced detection of long-term conditions will strengthen our health system.”
The cholesterol testing pilot will commence this autumn and continue until spring 2027, aiming to bring vital cardiovascular health services closer to communities across England.