Understanding
heart disease risk.
Understand the everyday markers that help build a picture of your heart health.
If you have symptoms of a possible heart attack, call 999. Do not wait for a screening appointment.
What you need to know.
Coronary heart disease involves a reduced blood supply to the heart muscle, often because of fatty deposits in the arteries. Cardiovascular risk depends on a combination of factors. Some can be measured in a health screen; others require a discussion with your doctor.
Signs & symptoms
- Chest discomfort or pain
- Unusual breathlessness
- Heart palpitations
- Some people have no symptoms before diagnosis
Factors to discuss
- Smoking
- High cholesterol or high blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Family history and increasing age
What testing can tell you.
Essential, Advanced and Performance & Longevity include cholesterol, HbA1c and blood pressure measurements. Performance & Longevity adds ApoB and hs-CRP. These provide information to discuss with a clinician alongside your medical history.
Blood markers and measurements do not diagnose coronary heart disease. An ECG or further assessment may be needed when clinically appropriate; an ECG is not listed as part of the current core packages.
Your next step
If you have symptoms or a specific health concern, speak to your GP. If you’re choosing a routine health screen, review the package’s included tests or ask our team for help.
Further reading: NHS information on this topic