ASK THE DOCTOR

Doctor Dawn Harper answers all your questions

- DAWN HARPER

TEST RESULT CONFUSION

Q I have my cholesterol checked every year. My result is exactly the same as last year, but I have been asked to make an appointment to discuss potentially starting a statin. Last year, I was told the identical result was normal, which is confusing. What do you think?

A We use a computer algorithm to calculate the risk of an individual having a heart attack or a stroke in the next 10 years. If that risk is 10% or less, this is deemed to be normal. The algorithm takes into account several factors, including your age. It may be that as you are a year older, your risk has changed, so I would advise making that appointment to discuss your result and treatment options.