There are potentially thousands of local people who have not been identified as having a risk of Cardio Vascular Disease (CVD) and therefore are not being offered evidence-based cost effective treatment to reduce their risk.
There are rarely any signs that someone has high blood pressure or high cholesterol so many of us do not realise that we are at risk of CVD until it is too late as the first sign can be sudden death or an MI (Heart Attack). It is important to identify those with risk factors such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol early as simple effective treatment can reduce both of these and help to reduce the overall risk of CVD.
Premature mortality from CVD is preventable. The four Tees PCTs have invested in finding out who is at the greatest risk of developing CVD. There is a strong evidence base that demonstrates if we can identify those at risk early enough, support them to make lifestyle changes, and improve access to treatment we can have a dramatic effect on the health of the local population.
In order to address this Public Health priority in a systematic way The Tees Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Primary Prevention Programme has been established. This major public health initiative aims to reduce the number of premature deaths from CVD and increase life expectancy, particularly amongst the most disadvantaged wards on Teesside.
The programme helps to identify people who may be at risk of developing CVD or having a heart attack or stroke in future years by offering ‘Healthy Heart Checks’ at easily accessible venues including GP Practices, community venues, and workplaces.
This programme is provided by the PCT free of charge and supports the regional ambition to achieve the best possible balance of life and work. It will compliment your existing programmes of work to promote and support health and well-being in the workplace. The programme has already been rolled out successfully within Middlesbrough, Stockton on Tees, Hartlepool, and Redcar & Cleveland Borough Councils.
To qualify for a free healthy heart check individuals must meet the following criteria:
• are aged 40 plus
• have no existing cardio-vascular disease (this includes high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, stroke or high cholesterol)
• have no history of a similar assessment within the previous 2 years