Cholesterol letter QRISK 10-20%
Dear Patient,
We are writing to you today because you have recently had a blood test which checked your cholesterol levels. Cholesterol is a proven risk factor for heart disease and stroke. There are different types of cholesterol and some can be beneficial. However a certain type( called LDL) is harmful. In general, the higher your LDL cholesterol, the greater your risk of heart disease or stroke.
When we received your cholesterol test result we used the levels to calculate the risk of you suffering from heart disease or stroke in the next 10 years. Amongst other things, this calculation took into account the levels of your different types of cholesterol, your age, sex, blood pressure and smoking status. We have calculated your risk of heart disease or stroke in the next ten years to be between 10 and 20%. This means that for every 10 patients with this level of risk, 2 patients will go on to have a stroke or heart disease in the next 10 years.
What can I do to reduce this risk? Reducing your cholesterol, whatever the level is currently, will help to reduce the risk of having a stroke or heart disease. Reducing your blood pressure (if it is high), stopping smoking, increasing exercise and being a healthy weight are also things you can do to help.
How do I reduce my cholesterol Eating a healthy diet and doing regular exercise can help lower the level of cholesterol in your blood. See the enclosed diet advice sheet
Do I need medication? There is national guidance from the National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE) stating that patients with a stroke/heart disease risk between 10 and 20% should be offered cholesterol lower medication (also called statins). Previously this was only offered to patients with extremely high cholesterol or a risk over 20%. There is good evidence that taking statins lowers your risk of heart disease/stroke if you have a risk of 20%. There is also some evidence that this may be effective for patients, like you, with a risk between 10 and 20%. If you would like to discuss starting medication please make a routine appointment (this can be over the phone) with your usual GP.
Do I need to check my cholesterol again? With your level of risk we would advise that you have your cholesterol checked again in 5 years time. If you make changes to your diet and would like to see the effect that this has had of your cholesterol then please request another test in 6-12 months. If you are started on a cholesterol lowering medication then you will require an earlier blood test
Dr Justin R.A. Walker Dr Christopher I. Harvey Dr Katherine Brennan Dr Georgina Forbes
Practice Business Manager: Graham Chipp Assistant Manager: Amy Smith
Dr Clara Hockenhull Dr Claire Hayes Dr Lisa Kozakis Dr Kate Reynolds
Website: stewartmc.nhs.uk
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