Up to 20% of people in Britain have a significant degree of
hypercholesterolaemia but most of them are unaware of it. Clues to its
existence include a family history of heart attacks in middle-age, the
presence of a white ring around the iris of the eye (corneal arcus) and
yellowish patches on the eyelids (xanthelasma). However, in most instances
there is no outward sign and the only way to have hyperlipidaemia detected
is to be screened, that is to say, have a blood sample taken for measurement
of cholesterol and triglyceride. Quite often hyperlipidaemia runs in families
so that if one member is affected it is important for all the others to be
screened. You own GP will arrange for your lipids to be measured on the
NHS if you request it and if he thinks there is a good reason. Alternatively
there are a number of private organisations which provide this service on a
commercial basis.