THOUSANDS of over 40s in Leeds are being urged to take up a free, life-saving heart health check that could catch serious conditions early.
The NHS Health Check, designed for people aged 40 to 74 without a pre-existing cardiovascular condition, helps identify early warning signs for heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, stroke and certain types of dementia.
Last year in Leeds, 19,718 checks were carried out, identifying hundreds at risk or already living with serious health conditions.
The scheme is funded by Leeds City Council and delivered by the Leeds GP Confederation in GP practices across the district.
Victoria Eaton, director of public health at Leeds City Council, said: "Many people are unaware that the NHS Health Check is free and available to them, so we hope to spread the word and encourage everyone eligible to take up the chance to have this potentially life-saving appointment.
"The benefit people gain from the check cannot be underestimated – it helps to you to really understand your health, receive personalised advice and stay healthier for longer.
"Warning signs for some of the conditions it checks for also often have no symptoms – such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol – so it’s a key tool in ensuring you remain healthy for yourself and your loved ones."
The appointment takes around 20 to 30 minutes and involves measuring height, weight, waist size, blood pressure, and cholesterol, along with general health questions.
Of those checked in Leeds last year, 572 were identified as being at high risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
A further 901 people were found to have high blood pressure, 50 were diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, and 296 had undiagnosed diabetes.
An additional 2,175 people were assessed as being at risk of developing diabetes.
Councillor Emma Flint, Leeds City Council’s executive member for equality, adults and health, said: "All eligible people aged 40 and over are entitled to this check so please do ask your GP surgery if you’ve not yet had an invitation.
"Even if you feel healthy and well in yourself, it’s incredibly important that you still go and get checked.
"By identifying any issues early, you can take action to improve your health and reduce the risk of going on to develop serious health problems in the future.
"It’s a small step – with appointments only taking 20-30 minutes – which could make a big difference to your overall health."
Despite strong uptake, health leaders say there is capacity for thousands more checks in the city.
A campaign to raise awareness is currently running across Leeds on bus stops, digital screens, flyers and social media.
More information about the NHS Health Check is available at www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/nhs-health-check.
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