The first ever over-the-counter cholesterol test is being sold in supermarkets across Britain, with Tesco stocking the kit

The first over-the-counter rapid test for high cholesterol has gone on sale at Tesco.

Users just need to use a drop of blood from the finger and the kit, which is similar to the rapid Covid home tests, provides results in three minutes.

Someone in Britain has a heart attack every five minutes, and high cholesterol is a major risk factor.

However, elevated cholesterol levels are usually symptomless, meaning a test is the only way to find out if it’s a problem.

For this reason, the NHS offers everyone aged between 40 and 74 a free health check with their GP every three years, including a cholesterol test. If elevated levels are found, patients may be offered statins or other medications to lower levels.

Statins can reduce the risk of heart attack by as much as 50 percent and also reduce the risk of a potentially fatal stroke.

But only four in 10 adults attend health checks – one reason up to 54 per cent of Brits have undiagnosed high cholesterol, according to research.

Experts have welcomed the new kit, saying it offers a convenient solution for time-pressed people who are too busy to visit their GP for a ‘just in case’ test.

Nurse Amanda Sparkes, medical director of private healthcare company Inicio, which advised the test’s developer, Newfoundland, said: ‘People in their 40s are working and caring for children and possibly older parents. Taking the time for a check-up if they don’t feel unwell is a big ask. That’s why a test that you can pick up while shopping and do at home is a good idea.

‘We see a similar reaction with home swabs: eight in ten women say they would prefer to do the test themselves with a home kit.’

The NHS offers everyone aged 40 to 74 a free health check with their GP every three years, including a cholesterol test (Stock Image)

Ms Sparkes added that people were getting used to home testing during the Covid pandemic, saying: ‘It’s just a natural progression of that.’

The £12.99 test categorizes results into three medical risk groups: high, borderline and desirable cholesterol. Studies suggest it is 94 percent accurate. Those with elevated results are encouraged to visit their GP for further checks.

One of the first to undergo the test was James Richardson, a graphic designer. The married father-of-two from Peterborough is slim – at 6ft 9in, he has a waist circumference of 32 – and eats healthily, but the test revealed elevated cholesterol levels.

‘I did it out of curiosity, so I was surprised by the result. My GP confirmed it and I have been put on statins and advised to exercise more regularly,” he said. ‘My parents both had heart attacks in their 60s, so I hope I can avoid the same problems now.’