NHS Health Checks 'prevented thousands of heart attacks'

ConclusionThis descriptive study has provided information about how many people took part in the NHS Health Check programme in the first four years it was available. While the uptake was initially relatively low, it is increasing. It is also encouraging that some of the more vulnerable groups – those who are older and those in the most deprived social group – are most likely to attend the checks. There were limitations to the data available. For example, it was not possible to directly assess whether all new prescriptions and treatments after the checks were as a direct result of the checks. The proportion of people who took part in lifestyle change programmes as advised is also not known. The study did not assess changes in the risk factors or outcomes of the individuals who had or did not have the Health Checks. The researchers note that it is difficult to make these comparisons in a non-randomised study, or where the data is incomplete (such as health information for those who did not attend the checks). They did calculate an estimate of major heart and vascular events that might be avoided as a result of the Health Checks over five years, under certain assumptions. However, this is a rough estimate to give some idea of possible impact, and may not be fully representative of true effects.The authors noted that other studies, such as a review of 16 trials, have challenged the effectiveness of the Health Check. For example, a study we discussed in November 2014 question...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Neurology Medical practice Source Type: news