Patient information
Short pages written by our GPs to go with a text message, a test result or a referral. Open the one your message points to, or search below.
Cholesterol and statins
- Changing your cholesterol treatmentYour cholesterol has come down, but not as far as we aim for. Your text message says which change we are making.
- Cholesterol after a heart attack or strokeOnce your arteries have caused a problem, we aim your cholesterol lower than we would in someone who has never had one.
- Choosing not to take a statinThank you for telling us. We have recorded your decision, and you can change your mind at any time.
- Deciding about a statinYour GP has recommended a statin to lower your chance of a heart attack or stroke. This page uses NICE's own figures, so you can decide.
- High triglyceridesTriglycerides are a blood fat, but they are not cholesterol. A single high reading often does not mean much.
- Muscle aches on a statinYou have told us your tablet may be causing symptoms. We take that seriously, and we can almost always sort it out.
- Starting AtorvastatinYour GP has prescribed Atorvastatin 20mg. It has gone to your usual pharmacy and is on your repeat prescriptions.
- Very high cholesterolYour cholesterol is high enough that we want to find out why, rather than treat it as ordinary.
- Your cholesterol is on targetYour cholesterol is at the level we aim for on your current tablet. Nothing needs to change.
- Your cholesterol resultYour cholesterol is higher than ideal. Your overall chance of a heart attack or stroke is low, so you do not need tablets.
Liver
- Fat in the liver - what your results meanYour liver tests did not show an infection, an immune cause or an iron problem, and your scarring score is reassuring. This page explains what that leaves, and what shifts it.
- Your liver blood test is slightly raisedOne of your liver readings is higher than expected. This page explains what that does and does not mean, what tests we have arranged, and what helps while you wait.
Referrals and appointments
- Waiting for an appointment or test after a referralThe service you were referred to and the NHS App hold the answer to most questions about a referral. Here is what to check, and who to contact.
- Who to contact: hospitals, clinics and local servicesPhone numbers and links for the hospitals, clinics and services we refer you to, and local services you can contact yourself. We check them every month.