Lipids patient information

Find out what to expect when you come to hospital for your appointment.

Before your appointment

Before you come to the clinic you will need to have a fasting blood test. We will send you an information pack together with blood test forms and request you have the fasting blood test two weeks prior to your scheduled appointment. This is so we can discuss the results during your appointment.

For this blood test you cannot have anything to eat or drink (except water or black tea/coffee without sugar) for 12 hours beforehand. If you are diabetic you should not take your normal morning medication until after you have had the blood test. Otherwise, you should take all your usual medications as prescribed.

Patients attending the paediatric lipid clinic will have their blood test at the end of their first lipid clinic appointment at Hammersmith Hospital. It is advised that you wear clothing that can easily be removed for an examination to your appointment.

We usually see patients within 18 weeks of referral.

Please also remember to check your appointment letter for anything specific you have been asked to take with you. In addition, it would be helpful if you could bring the following:

• Your full address and telephone number(s)
• Your appointment card and appointment letter
• Your GP’s name and address
• Money to pay for any prescriptions, or an exemption card
• A list of questions you may want to ask your consultant
• A list of current medications

During your appointment

Upon arrival please report to the main reception with your appointment letter. Typical waiting times are up to 30 minutes. Please allow up to three hours for your appointment.

If you require an interpreter, we suggest you bring a friend or relative who can interpret for you to your appointment. If you are unable to do so we do have access to interpreters via a telephone service. You are welcome to ask for a chaperone and we will endeavour to provide one for you.

During your appointment you will be weighed, have your height measured and will need to give a urine sample for routine testing by the clinic nursing staff. You will be sent to have a routine electrocardiogram (ECG) test before you see the clinician.

Please note that we are a teaching hospital, so medical students may be present for some appointments. If you do not wish to have them in the room please let the nurse or doctor know and the students will be asked to step outside.

After your appointment

The hospital doctor will write to your GP with the results of your consultation. If we decide that any changes to your current treatment are necessary your GP will be advised.

 

Videos courtesy of the British Heart Foundation

The videos below, produced by the British Heart Foundation, can help you learn more about cholesterol and treatments for high cholesterol.

Understanding cholesterol

  

How do statins prevent heart attacks and strokes?

 

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) – Suzanne’s story