Cholesterol and blood pressure checks in Poland: NFZ guidance
Short answer: NFZ says you can get a lipid test at your primary care doctor, in Moje zdrowie or in the ChUK programme. Blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or more persistently is hypertension.
High cholesterol and high blood pressure usually cause no symptoms for years, so the only way to know is to measure. The National Health Fund (NFZ) runs an information service called Akademia NFZ with short health pages. This guide is based on two of them, "Czy badasz regularnie poziom cholesterolu?" (25 March 2026) and "Zapobiegaj nadciśnieniu krwi" (22 April 2026), both read on 19 October 2026. It is general information, not medical advice.
Cholesterol: what NFZ says
The page says about 70 percent of adult Poles have too high a cholesterol level, and that complications of atherosclerosis are one of the main causes of death in the country. It explains that high cholesterol does not hurt and gives no symptoms, which is why many people avoid testing.
Cholesterol comes in two fractions. LDL, the "bad" one, deposits in artery walls and leads to atherosclerosis and heart attack. HDL, the "good" one, protects the vessel walls. A diet rich in saturated fatty acids is named among the causes of a high level.
The lipid profile test
The test is called a lipidogram. It uses a blood sample to measure total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides. According to the page, you can have it done:
- at your primary care doctor (POZ);
- in the "Moje zdrowie" programme, where the lipidogram is part of the basic tests for anyone who fills in the questionnaire;
- in the cardiovascular disease prevention programme (ChUK), with the list of facilities in the NFZ "Gdzie się leczyć" search.
* Photos: a home blood pressure check (cover) and laboratory test tubes from a medical laboratory in Abuja, Nigeria (body), both CC0, via Wikimedia Commons, used as illustrations only.
Who is at higher risk
The page lists genetic factors and a family history of heart disease, chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and kidney disease, long-term use of some medicines, and lifestyle: poor diet, low physical activity, overweight, alcohol and smoking. It advises daily physical activity, a healthy diet and body weight, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, and checking your cholesterol level.
Blood pressure: the numbers
The second page cites the Polish Society of Hypertension and the Polish Cardiac Society:
- optimal blood pressure is below 120/70 mmHg;
- elevated is 120 to 139 over 70 to 89 mmHg;
- hypertension is a persistently raised pressure of 140/90 mmHg or more.
Pressure changes during the day: it rises with stress or hard exercise and falls during sleep. A doctor diagnoses hypertension from regular measurements. Over 90 percent of cases are primary hypertension, with no clearly known cause. Secondary hypertension has causes such as diabetes, kidney disease, sleep apnoea or hormonal disorders.
Symptoms and risks
NFZ says hypertension often gives no symptoms for many years, so you should measure your pressure regularly. Non-specific signs can include headaches, sleep problems and tiring easily. Later symptoms can include dizziness, chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations and ringing in the ears. Untreated hypertension can damage the heart, brain and kidneys. The page names heart attack, stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease and eye damage.
If a doctor prescribes treatment, the page says not to stop taking the medicines even when results improve. Prevention rests on daily movement, a balanced diet, a healthy body weight, not smoking and avoiding alcohol.
What the sources do not say
The pages do not say who is eligible for "Moje zdrowie" or ChUK, whether a referral is needed, or how to book a lipidogram at a primary care clinic. They do not say whether people without NFZ insurance can use these programmes. For those details, see the site's guide on the "Moje zdrowie" checkup and ask your primary care clinic. The pages also do not give target cholesterol values.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I get a cholesterol test in Poland?
According to NFZ, at your primary care doctor, in the "Moje zdrowie" programme, or in the ChUK cardiovascular prevention programme.
What is a normal blood pressure?
NFZ, citing Polish medical societies, calls below 120/70 mmHg optimal, 120 to 139 over 70 to 89 elevated, and 140/90 or more hypertension when it is persistent.
Does high blood pressure always cause symptoms?
No. The page says it often gives no symptoms for many years.
