The NHS Health Check programme is a national preventative programme which is intended to help people stay healthy for longer. By 2012/2013 it will provide an assessment of cardiovascular risk to all 40-74 year olds living in Somerset who do not have existing diagnosed vascular disease (this includes chronic kidney disease, diabetes, renal disease or hypertension).
The programme is being gradually rolled out across Somerset following a pilot in Bridgwater. Service providers for the programme included specific GP practices, pharmacies and outreach groups.
The test comprises a pin prick blood test, blood pressure monitoring and quesitons about lifestyle and family history.
Using this information the individual's risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the following 10 years can be calculated. Service providers will discuss what people can do to manage their own risk, and may include:
- taking regular exercise
- eating a healthy diet
- reducing alcohol intake
- stopping smoking
Following this, people may be referred to their GP for further investigations or referred to lifestyle intervention experts who can help people better manage their own risk.
For further details please contact Sharon Ashton on 01935 381996 or via email sharon.ashton@somerset.nhs.uk.
For more general information about the NHS Health Check please visit www.improvement.nhs.uk/nhshealthcheck
