Free heart MOTs for over 40s this Sunday

Free heart tests for Hackney residents this Valentine's. Photo: blah

Free heart tests for Hackney residents this Valentine's. Photo: BlueOctane

Health officials in Hackney will use Valentine’s Day this year to remind everyone of the benefits of a healthy heart.

NHS City and Hackney Health Check programme has teamed up with local libraries to carry out free health checks for all people aged 40-74 and is launching the scheme on Sunday in Stoke Newington.

Richard Bull, NHS City and Hackney’s Senior Public Health Strategist, said: “The health checks will help identify if a person is at risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes ad kidney disease.

“These diseases can cause long-term ill health and disability affecting the quality of life for many people. A heart check will help to identify if you are at high risk and what you can do to prevent health problems.”

Hackney residents are being urged to take the tests, as the premature death rate from cardiovascular disease is significantly higher in Hackney than the London average. One in twenty people in the borough have diabetes.

The health check takes 20-40 minutes and requires information on the patient’s health and family history. Measurements and blood pressure will be taken in order to calculate the patient’s personal risk and to give them advice on how to remain healthy.

The borough is also launching a new website, www.wellchance.org, for public and health professionals, which will go live on Sunday.

The first free NHS Health Check event will take place at Stoke Newington Library on February 14 between 2.00pm and 5.00pm. Richard Bull said: “What better way to spend Valentine’s Day than having your heart checked out?”

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