High Cholesterol: GP Assessment & Treatment in Preston
High cholesterol has no obvious symptoms, but if left untreated, it significantly raises the risk of heart disease.
At My Private Clinic in Preston, Dr Faizal Secretary can check your cholesterol levels in a private GP consultation, explain your results clearly, and put a plan in place to bring them under control.
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What is High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol, also known as hypercholesterolaemia, refers to a condition when there is an increased amount of cholesterol in your bloodstream. It is a fat-like substance that your liver produces naturally & is also found in certain foods you eat. While the body requires cholesterol for cell formation & to produce hormones, higher levels can cause fat accumulation in the arteries. This fat deposit leads to narrowing of the arteries & increases the risk of heart disease.
At My Private Clinic, Dr Faizal assesses your high cholesterol symptoms, arranges a lipid test, & guides the treatment accordingly.
The British Heart Foundation estimates that around 6 out of 10 adults in England have high cholesterol levels, and many of them have no idea.
Reviewed by: Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP - GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered Last Updated: September 2026
Types of Cholesterol Levels
There are two main types of cholesterol to understand.
HDL Cholesterol
HDL (high-density lipoprotein) helps carry LDL away from the arteries & back to the liver. For this purpose, it is known as the ‘Good’ cholesterol.
LDL Cholesterol
LDL means low-density lipoprotein; it is often known as ‘bad cholesterol’ because it tends to build up in the walls of arteries.
High Cholesterol Symptoms
Patients having high cholesterol levels feel well mostly, which makes this condition easy to overlook. NHS information states that this condition is mostly diagnosed during a routine blood test after an event, such as a heart attack or stroke.
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is an inherited condition, and an exception. It causes very high LDL levels since the child is born.
People with FH may develop visible signs over time, such as:
- Xanthomas: It refers to fat deposits under the skin, particularly around the tendons of hands, feet, or Achilles
- Xanthelasma: It refers to yellow patches of fat around the eyelid.
- Corneal Arcus: A pale ring or arc around the iris of the eyes, & mostly seen in younger patients.
Dr Faizal can help arrange cascade testing for proper diagnosis as it is recommended in the NICE guidance.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
Here are some major factors that contribute to high cholesterol levels, according to the National Library of Medicine:
Lifestyle factors:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Eating high saturated fat foods (red meat, full-fat dairy, bakery products, & processed items)
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking, as it lowers HDL & damages artery walls
- Alcohol
Medical & genetic factors:
- Familial hypercholesterolaemia that is inherited high LDL from birth
- Hypothyroidism, i.e., underactive thyroid symptoms
- Type 2 diabetes
- Disease of the kidney or liver
- Certain medications, such as for blood pressure or steroids.
- High cholesterol or heart issues running in the family
If you are concerned about high cholesterol levels or your heart health, get a private health check at My Private Clinic, so our GP has a full picture of your health & guides you towards the right next steps. You can also book a doctor home visit.
Understanding Serum Cholesterol Levels
Millimoles per litre of blood (mmol/L) is the measuring unit for cholesterol levels. The NHS has provided general guidance on healthy cholesterol levels for most adults.
| Marker | Cholesterol Reference Ranges UK |
|---|---|
| Total Cholesterol | 5.0 mmol/L or below |
| LDL cholesterol | 3.0 mmol/L or below |
| HDL cholesterol | Male: 1.0 mmol/L or above Female: 1.2 mmol/L or above |
| Non-HDL | 4.0 mmol/L or below |
| Triglycerides (in fasting state) | 1.7 mmol/L or below |
These figures are a general guide, and do not fit every individual. Your ideal cholesterol levels may vary according to your age, overall heart health, & conditions like diabetes.
For more detail, you can study the British Heart Foundation's guide to cholesterol levels. Dr Faizal will interpret your cholesterol blood test results in the context of your full health picture, not just the numbers alone.
How Dr Faizal Can Help With High Cholesterol
Dr Faizal Secretary takes a thorough approach to cholesterol management. He follows NICE guidance on lipid modification and cardiovascular prevention and uses your full clinical picture to guide every decision. Here’s your treatment journey overview:
Cholesterol Blood Test & Risk Assessment
Dr Faizal will arrange a private cholesterol blood test. HEART UK recommends a full lipid test rather than total cholesterol alone for an accurate picture of cardiovascular risk.
He will also consider a full health MOT, blood pressure assessment, weight, smoking status, family history, and any existing conditions to give you a proper assessment of your overall heart health risk
Prescribe Medication (If Needed)
If needed, the GP will write a private prescription. The medication can be an MHRA-approved statin medication or an NHS-approved cholesterol medication, or combination therapy. His prescription decision is always followed by NICE guidance & your in-person assessment.
Lifestyle & Dietary Guidance
Dr Faizal will give you clear, practical advice on which foods to reduce, what to eat more of, and what physical activity you can do to keep your cholesterol levels near to normal naturally.
For obesity help, you can consult our weight loss clinic Preston.
Our GPs' approach always depends on your condition & what’s best for your health. Once you get your plan, you can always follow up even on a video GP appointment.
Your Private GP Preston For High Cholesterol Management
Dr Faizal Secretary
BSc (Hons) · MBChB · MRCGP · GMC 7606534
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP based in Fulwood, Preston. Trained in the UK, with a medical degree from the University of Manchester, Dr Faizal holds a BSc with Distinction from Imperial College London. He is a Member of the Royal College of General Practitioners and has experience across both NHS and private general practice.
Dr Faizal assesses your high cholesterol symptoms in detail, makes a confirmed diagnosis, & supports you throughout the management.
- CQC Registered
- GMC Verified
- Seeing patients in Preston since 2017
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Read our reviews on GoogleFAQs About High Cholesterol
What are the 5 signs of high cholesterol?
High cholesterol typically does not come with any symptoms. The symptoms of familial hypercholesterolaemia include fat deposits in the skin, yellow patches near the eyelids, and a pale appearance to the iris of the eye.
Can I get a private cholesterol test in Preston without a GP referral?
Yes. You can have a same-day cholesterol blood test at My Private Clinic without an NHS referral, & Dr Faizal will explain the results in a follow-up appointment.
Are eggs bad for your cholesterol?
Eating eggs in a moderate quantity is not bad for cholesterol. They do contain dietary cholesterol, but for most people it does not harm cholesterol levels.
Are bananas bad for high cholesterol?
No, bananas are low in saturated fat and fibre-rich, which can actually help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
How to lower cholesterol naturally?
Eat fibre-rich foods (oats, beans, lentils, fruit), eat more oily fish, avoid saturated fats in your diet, give up smoking & alcohol, and stay physically active to lower your cholesterol naturally.
How to reduce cholesterol in 7 days?
A week is not enough to reduce high cholesterol, but you can start with avoiding processed foods, adding a daily portion of oats or porridge, walking briskly for 30 minutes a day, and stopping smoking if you smoke.
What is a good cholesterol level in the UK?
According to the NHS, for a healthy adult in the UK, the total cholesterol level should be 5.0 mmol/L or below, an LDL of 3.0 mmol/L or below, and an HDL of 1.0 mmol/L or above (men) and 1.2 mmol/L or above (for women). If you are diagnosed with heart disease or diabetes, your ranges may differ. Dr Faizal will explain what your specific results mean for you.
What is the difference between LDL and HDL cholesterol?
LDL delivers cholesterol around your body, but an excess of it can build up in your arteries and raise your heart risk. HDL helps carry extra cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be removed.
Why Choose My Private Clinic For High Cholesterol Management?
Named GP Every Time
Dr Secretary personally assesses and prescribes. Not a locum. Not remote.
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Independently regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
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Appointments often available the same day. Call or WhatsApp to check
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