Vascular disease includes coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. It currently affects the lives of over 4 million people in England. It causes 36% of deaths (170,000 a year in England) and is responsible for a fifth of all hospital admissions. It is the largest single cause of long-term ill health and disability, impairing the quality of life for many people. (Department of Health, Putting Prevention First, Vascular Checks: risk assessment and management 2008).
Vascular disease includes:
• coronary heart disease (heart attacks and angina);
• stroke;
• diabetes; and
• kidney disease.
These diseases all affect the body in different ways. However, they are all linked by a common set of risk factors. Obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, high blood pressure, disordered blood fat levels (dyslipidaemia) and impaired glucose regulation (higher than normal blood glucose levels, but not as high as in diabetes) all raise the risk of vascular disease. Having one vascular condition increases the likelihood of the individual suffering others.
What is the Health Check?
The NHS Health Check is a systematic, integrated approach to assessing risk of vascular diseases for everyone (in England) between 40 and 74, followed by the offer of personalised advice and treatment - and individually tailored management to help individuals manage their risk more effectively. The NHS expects all PCTs (Primary Care Trusts) to have introduced the NHS Health Check by 2009 / 2010 with full implementation by 2012 / 2013.
The Health Check is a standard assessment, made up of various questions and measurements looking at:
| Age | Gender | Height |
| Weight | Body Mass Index | Smoking |
| Level of Physical Activity | Current Medication | Ethnic Background |
| Family History | Blood Pressuse | |
| A simple blood test for cholesterol, and (in some cases) glucose (sugar) levels. | ||
|
Those who have been identified as at risk of kidney disease may then have further blood and urine tests.
The assessment would be followed up with an individually tailored assessment setting out the person’s level of vascular risk and what steps they can take to reduce it. For those at low risk, this might be no more than general advice on how to stay healthy. Others at moderate risk may be recommended a weight management programme, stop smoking service, or a brief intervention to increase levels of physical activity.
Those at the highest risk might also require medication with statins (which help control cholesterol levels) or blood pressure treatment, or an intensive lifestyle management programme for those identified with impaired glucose regulation. A few may need further assessment that would require referral to a hospital consultant.
The Health Check is carried out by suitably trained healthcare professionals, such as doctor, nurse, pharmacist, healthcare assistant, or health trainer. The Health Check is delivered as a service by the local PCT (primary care trust). |
 |
How can I have a Health Check?The Health Check will be offered to everyone in England aged between 40 and 74 who do not have existing diagnosed vascular disease. If you are eligible for the check you will be contacted by your local PCT or GP. On-line support for the Health Check is available at: http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/NHSHealthCheck/Pages/NHSHealthCheck.aspx |
|
What do the results of the Health Check mean?The results of the Health Check should be discussed at the time of the assessment. If you have had a health check and have unanswered questions or need further support please see your GP or pharmacist. http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/NHSHealthCheck/Pages/NHSHealthCheck.aspx
|
|
