The NHS is urging people to know their cholesterol as well as they do their bank card’s pin number.
The idea is part of a national campaign to improve the detection and treatment of the major causes of cardiovascular disease including high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of premature death and disability in England causing a death every four minutes.
According to Public Health England, over five million people are currently living with undiagnosed high blood pressure in England alone.
Over the next decade, it is aiming to treat millions more people with high blood pressure and ensure that three quarters of 40 to 74-year-olds have had their cholesterol levels recorded.
It is also calling for more people between those ages to take advantage of a free NHS health check. They can be booked at GP surgeries and are also available at some local pharmacies and shopping centres.
People under 30 are also being urged to take a Heart Age Test.
Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of Public Health England said: “Know your numbers and save your life. We know our PIN numbers but not the numbers that save our lives.
“Thousands of heart attacks and strokes can be prevented by more people knowing their blood pressure and cholesterol numbers and by seeking help early.
“Prevention is always better than cure.”
