Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by Analgesia team
Worried about your heart but don’t have time for a GP appointment? At-home kits are changing the game — and the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is one of the most talked-about options in the UK. In this honest PocDoc review, I’ll walk you through exactly what’s inside, how it works, how accurate it is, and whether it’s really worth the £19.99 price tag.
Ready to see if this test can give you peace of mind about your heart health? Let’s dive in.
Quick verdict ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5/5)
The PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is a convenient, budget-friendly way to check your cholesterol and other key markers at home. It’s not a replacement for a GP-led test, but for £19.99 it gives you fast insights into your risk factors — and the app makes results simple to understand.
Best for: people who want a quick check-in on their heart health, especially if high cholesterol runs in the family.
Downside: finger-prick testing can be fiddly the first time, and results should always be followed up with a doctor if out of range.
What is the PocDoc healthy heart check?
The PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is an at-home blood test designed to give you a snapshot of your heart health without needing a GP appointment or lab visit. Unlike generic home test kits, PocDoc focuses specifically on the biggest cardiovascular risk factors: cholesterol and other lipid levels.
Here’s what it measures:
- Total cholesterol – the overall level of cholesterol in your blood.
- HDL cholesterol (“good” cholesterol) – helps remove excess fat from your arteries.
- LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) – linked with plaque build-up and artery narrowing.
- Triglycerides – another type of blood fat, high levels increase heart disease risk.
- Cholesterol ratio (TC:HDL) – a more accurate indicator of risk than one number alone.
Why does this matter? Because high cholesterol rarely has symptoms. Many people discover it only after a heart attack or stroke. Having these numbers on hand gives you an early-warning system and a chance to act before it becomes serious.
Who is it best for?
- Adults who want a convenient way to check their cholesterol at home.
- People with a family history of heart disease who need closer monitoring.
- Anyone looking for a low-cost first step before deciding whether to book a GP or specialist consultation.
- Busy professionals who prefer to test at home instead of visiting a clinic.
What’s in the box and how long it takes
When you order the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check, here’s exactly what you get:
| Item in the kit | What it’s for | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| PocDoc app download link & instructions | Guides you step by step | 2–3 minutes |
| Lancets (finger-prick devices) | To collect a small drop of blood | < 1 minute |
| Test cassette / strip | Where the blood sample goes for analysis | 1–2 minutes |
| Dropper / pipette | To transfer blood accurately | < 1 minute |
| Buffer solution | Helps the sample flow through the test strip | 1 minute |
| Alcohol swab & plaster | For clean, safe collection | 2 minutes |
| Results integration with app | See results on your phone instantly | 5–10 minutes total processing |
Total time needed: around 15–20 minutes from opening the box to seeing your results in the app.
Sample method
- It’s a finger-prick blood test (just a small drop, similar to a diabetes test).
- No need to send anything to a lab — the PocDoc app analyses the strip using your phone camera.
Turnaround
- Because it’s app-driven, you get results in minutes, not days. No waiting for postal turnaround like other kits.
Translation? This test is about speed and simplicity — designed for busy people who want answers now, without lab queues or GP delays.
Step-by-step: How to use the PocDoc healthy heart check
Using the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is straightforward. Follow these steps carefully to ensure accurate results.
Step 1: Prepare
- Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water. This improves blood flow and prevents contamination.
- Open the kit and lay out all components on a clean surface.
- Download the PocDoc app and follow the on-screen prompts to register your kit.
- Make sure your phone has enough battery; the camera will be used to capture your sample.
Tip: A relaxed, well-lit environment makes the process smoother.
Step 2: Collect your blood sample
- Use the provided lancet to prick the side of your fingertip.
- Gently squeeze to obtain a drop of blood.
- Apply the drop to the test cassette/strip following the instructions in the app.
Bucket brigade: Sounds tricky? Don’t worry — it’s easier than it looks and the app guides you at every step.
Step 3: Process the sample
- Add the buffer solution to your test strip if instructed.
- Hold the strip under your phone camera, following the app’s instructions for alignment and focus.
- The app analyses the blood drop and calculates cholesterol levels and other lipid markers.
Tip: Ensure your hand and the strip are steady to avoid errors.
Step 4: Read and submit results
- Within minutes, your results appear in the app in easy-to-read charts.
- You can save or export them for sharing with your GP.
- If your readings are outside the normal range, the app suggests next steps — which may include consulting your GP or a specialist.
✅ Why this matters: Following these steps exactly ensures accurate readings, gives you actionable insights, and empowers you to take control of your heart health without leaving home.
How to interpret the results of PocDoc heart test kit
Once your PocDoc Healthy Heart Check results appear in the app, it’s normal to feel a mix of relief and concern. Remember: this is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. Here’s how to understand the key numbers safely:
What your numbers mean
- Total cholesterol:
- Below 5 mmol/L – generally considered within a healthy range.
- 5–6.4 mmol/L – borderline; worth monitoring and discussing with your GP.
- Above 6.5 mmol/L – elevated; medical advice recommended.
- HDL (“good” cholesterol):
- Higher numbers are better. Low HDL may increase risk of plaque build-up.
- LDL (“bad” cholesterol):
- Lower is better. High LDL is a known risk factor for heart disease.
- Triglycerides:
- Normal: below 1.7 mmol/L. Elevated levels can indicate higher cardiovascular risk.
- Cholesterol ratio (TC:HDL):
- Lower ratios are healthier; aim for below 4.5 for most adults.
Feeling a bit lost? Don’t panic — the app makes it visual, showing you where you fall in each range.
Key takeaway
Even if your numbers are normal, lifestyle habits matter: diet, exercise, and regular monitoring are essential. And if any reading is abnormal, contact your GP promptly.
- Use this as an early warning system.
- Don’t rely solely on a home test for medical decisions.
- Combine results with professional guidance for maximum safety.
Reliability and limitations of Heart test kits
The PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is a convenient, app-driven tool, but it’s important to understand what it can — and cannot — do.
What the test reliably tells you
- Accurate readings of total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglycerides, and cholesterol ratio when used correctly.
- Provides instant, visual results via the app.
- Allows easy tracking over time if you repeat tests periodically.
What the test cannot tell you
- It does not replace a full clinical examination. You won’t get ECGs, imaging, or blood pressure readings from this kit.
- It cannot diagnose heart disease or predict a heart attack.
- Results may vary slightly depending on user technique; accuracy is best when instructions are followed precisely.
Caveat (Heart UK): At-home cholesterol and lipid tests are useful for screening and monitoring, but a healthcare professional must interpret abnormal results. They cannot replace diagnostic tests performed in a clinic or hospital.
So yes, it’s a powerful tool — but only part of the puzzle. Think of it as your first line of insight, not the final answer.
Pricing, and where to buy
Price overview
The PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is currently priced at £19.99, making it one of the most affordable at-home cholesterol and heart health tests in the UK.
- Compared to private clinic blood tests (£200–£500) or even some GP-requested labs, this is fast, convenient, and budget-friendly.
- There are no hidden fees — what you see is what you pay.
Where to buy
You can order directly from the PocDoc official website.
- The process is simple: order online, download the app, and follow step-by-step instructions when the kit arrives.
- Currently, this product is not widely stocked in Boots or Superdrug, so ordering online is the most reliable option.
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. This means if you purchase through our link, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we trust and have reviewed thoroughly.
Ready to take control of your heart health?
Buy the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check — £19.99
Don’t wait for symptoms — your heart doesn’t. This small step today could make a big difference tomorrow.
User experience & alternatives
While the PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is fast and convenient, some users may want additional reassurance or options depending on their results, preferences, or lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown:
Alternative options
| Option | What it offers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Phone-based / digital GP | 24/7 UK GP access via phone or video; can review test results and advise next steps | Anyone who wants expert interpretation quickly without waiting for a GP appointment |
| Lab-based blood tests | Full lipid panel, more comprehensive markers, potential for ECG referral | People who want a thorough clinical analysis and detailed reports |
| Home ECG devices | Measures the electrical activity of the heart | Individuals with palpitations or arrhythmia concerns who want ongoing monitoring |
Recommended next steps depending on results
- Normal results: Continue monitoring at home, maintain healthy lifestyle habits, and repeat the test periodically.
- Borderline results: Consider scheduling a digital GP consultation or traditional GP check to discuss lifestyle changes or further testing.
- High-risk results: Book an in-person GP appointment or specialist referral promptly.
Not sure what to do next? Start with a digital GP consultation — it’s fast, professional, and can guide your next step safely.
User experience & alternatives
The PocDoc Healthy Heart Check is designed for speed and convenience, but it’s not the only option. Depending on your health situation and level of risk, you may want to consider complementary or alternative solutions:
- Phone-based GP consultations – Many digital GP services in the UK let you share your results instantly. You’ll get professional feedback on whether you need medication, lifestyle changes, or further tests.
- Lab-based blood tests – These offer a full lipid panel and other markers such as blood sugar or liver function. While more expensive, they provide greater depth for those at higher risk.
- Home ECG devices – Useful if you’re worried about heart rhythm or have a family history of arrhythmia. These track your heart’s electrical activity over time.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Affordable entry point at £19.99
- Fast results without leaving home
- Easy-to-use kit with clear instructions
- Great for ongoing monitoring and peace of mind
- Digital integration makes results shareable with your GP
Cons
- Limited to lipid profile (not a full heart assessment)
- Cannot replace ECG, imaging, or specialist consultation
- Accuracy depends on following the instructions carefully
- Results can be worrying without a medical context
- Availability may be limited outside the UK