New DIY Heart Test Could Prevent Thousands of Deaths
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in the UK, claiming 170,000 lives each year. Though, experts believe that early detection through screening could prevent up to 80 percent of these deaths.
A new at-home heart health check, available for just £19.99 in 700 Well pharmacies and online, could make it easier than ever to detect CVD early.
How the Test Works
The ‘Healthy Heart Check,’ developed by digital health diagnostics company PocDoc, provides a comprehensive analysis using a small blood sample from a finger prick. Within 10 minutes, users receive instant results that include their cholesterol profile, body mass index (BMI), heart age, and a 10-year risk assessment for heart attacks and strokes.
The process is simple: download the PocDoc app, collect the blood sample, add it to the test kit, wait seven minutes, take a picture of the reading with your phone, and upload it to the app. Any concerns highlighted by the test can be directly shared with a GP via the NHS app.
The Benefits of Early Detection
“CVD is the UK’s biggest killer, but prevention is the key to beating it,” says Steve Roest, CEO and co-founder of PocDoc. “Our patented technology helps people detect issues earlier, faster, and with less hassle.”
Conventional methods of detecting heart disease frequently enough involve visits to the GP for blood pressure and cholesterol tests, along with additional procedures like chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, or MRIs. These processes can be time-consuming and inconvenient.
The DIY test offers a convenient and accessible option, empowering individuals to take control of their heart health.
Reducing the Burden on the NHS
The widespread availability of affordable, at-home heart health tests could also alleviate pressure on the NHS. By enabling early detection and intervention, the test can potentially reduce the number of individuals requiring expensive and time-consuming hospital treatments.
Looking Ahead
The ‘Healthy Heart Check’ represents a meaningful step forward in making heart health monitoring more accessible and convenient. It has the potential to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards preventing cardiovascular disease, ultimately saving lives and reducing the burden on the healthcare system.
As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative solutions for early disease detection, paving the way for a healthier future.
Taking Charge of Your Heart Health
Heart disease remains a leading cause of death globally, but proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk. A new partnership between well Pharmacy and PocDoc aims to make heart health screenings more accessible, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.
A Partnership Focused on Prevention
“Community pharmacies are vital to making health testing more accessible. They’re at the heart of communities,and this partnership ensures more people – especially those at greatest risk – can take charge of their heart health,” said Andrew Caplan,Chief retail Officer at Well Pharmacy.
PocDoc’s Healthy Heart Check is at the forefront of this initiative, providing a straightforward and convenient way for individuals to assess their cardiovascular health.
“It’s a game-changer, empowering people to take proactive steps to prevent serious conditions like cardiovascular disease,” Caplan added.
Understanding the risks: heart Attacks and Strokes
While heart attacks and strokes affect different organs, they share similar underlying causes. Both conditions arise from cardiovascular disease (CVD) frequently enough stemming from atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries.
The American Heart Association emphasizes that the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes largely overlap,including high blood pressure,high cholesterol,smoking,obesity,physical inactivity,and diabetes. Addressing these risk factors effectively reduces the risk of both conditions.
taking Action: Practical Steps for Heart Health
Fortunately, there are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to minimize your risk of heart attacks and strokes:
Diet:
- Increase fruit and vegetable intake: The DASH diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, has proven effective in reducing blood pressure and improving heart health.
- Limit unhealthy fats: Excessive saturated and trans fats can raise cholesterol levels, increasing atherosclerosis risk. Opt for healthier fats found in olive oil, nuts, and avocados.
- Reduce salt consumption: High salt intake is linked to high blood pressure, a major risk factor for both heart attack and stroke. Aim for no more than 6g of salt per day for adults.
- Choose high-fibre foods: Foods rich in soluble fibre, like oats and beans, can help lower cholesterol levels.
Exercise:
Regular physical activity is crucial for heart health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity each week,as recommended by the NHS. Incorporate strength training exercises twice a week to further improve circulatory health and manage weight.
Blood Pressure Management:
Maintaining healthy blood pressure is vital. while diet and exercise can significantly contribute to this, monitoring your blood pressure is essential, especially after age 40. The NHS offers checks every five years, but self-monitoring can provide valuable insights.
Quit Smoking:
Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease. The NHS Smokefree program offers a wealth of resources to help you quit, including support groups, medications, and alternative cessation methods.
Limit Alcohol Consumption:
Excessive alcohol intake can elevate blood pressure and contribute to weight gain, both detrimental to heart health. The NHS recommends limiting regular alcohol consumption to no more than 14 units per week.
by taking proactive steps to manage these risk factors, individuals can significantly reduce their chances of developing heart disease and stroke. The partnership between Well Pharmacy and PocDoc exemplifies the commitment to making heart health accessible and empowering individuals to prioritize their well-being.
Decoding Your Health: Understanding Vital Numbers
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death globally, often developing silently untill a major event occurs. While genetics and age play a role, lifestyle choices significantly influence your risk. Understanding key health indicators can empower you to make informed decisions and proactively manage your well-being.
Factors that Increase CVD Risk
High blood pressure and fatty buildup in the arteries are major contributors to CVD. These conditions can damage blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of blood clots, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes. Conditions like diabetes and kidney disease also elevate your risk.
Lifestyle factors play a ample role. A sedentary lifestyle, obesity, smoking, unhealthy eating habits, and excessive alcohol consumption all contribute to CVD risk. If you have a family history of heart disease, particularly if a parent or sibling experienced a heart attack or angina before the age of 60, your risk is amplified. CVD risk generally increases with age, especially after 50.
The Power of Knowing Your Numbers
Beyond visible signs,there are crucial “invisible” measurements that can reveal a lot about your health and disease risk.Dr. Sarah Jarvis, a GP and clinical director at patient.info, emphasizes the importance of seven key numbers:
- Biological Age: A measure of your body’s functional age compared to your chronological age. A higher biological age indicates faster aging and increased risk for chronic diseases.
- BMI (Body Mass Index): A calculation based on your height and weight,used to assess weight status and risk for obesity-related conditions.
- Waist-to-Hip Ratio: A measure of abdominal fat, wich is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- HbA1C: A blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past two to three months, indicating long-term blood sugar control and risk for diabetes complications.
- Blood Pressure: The force of blood pushing against your artery walls. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for CVD.
- Cholesterol Level: A measure of fat in your blood. High levels of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol increase the risk of heart disease, while HDL (“good”) cholesterol can protect against it.
- FRAX score: A tool used to assess your 10-year probability of developing a fragility fracture (bone fracture due to low bone density).
Taking Control of Your Health
Monitoring these numbers provides valuable insights into your health status and potential risks. Armed with this knowledge,you can adopt lifestyle changes to mitigate your risk factors.
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption are crucial steps toward improving your cardiovascular health.
Consult your doctor for personalized advice, regular check-ups, and appropriate screening for CVD risks.
By understanding your health numbers and taking proactive steps, you can empower yourself to live a longer, healthier life.
