Harrow has been named the fifth-least proactive region, increasing the risk of heart attacks or strokes.

People in Harrow have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, meaning symptoms of heart attacks and strokes are more likely, according to a new report by GP provider, Medicspot.

Only 20 per cent of the eligible 67,319 people in Harrow claimed their free NHS health check from 2014 to 2019, an action which would reduce cardiovascular risk through early assessment, making Harrow the fifth-least proactive region to check their health.

The free health check service is offered to anyone aged 40 to 74 to prevent premature death from heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and type 2 diabetes.

Harrow Times:

Dr Johnson D’souza, medical director and GP at Medicspot, advised: “People aged 40 to 74 who don’t get a health check every five years are at an increased risk of undetected cardiovascular disease.

“By checking your blood pressure, lifestyle, family history, height and weight, we can get an idea of your risk of getting certain illnesses, including heart disease, stroke and diabetes.”

Dr D’souza added: “It is very worrying that only 20 per cent of people who are eligible for a free NHS health check in Harrow have taken up the offer. This is significantly below the national average of 43%.

Medicspot’s report comes after research found that over a six-year period, participants of the NHS Health Check programme had lost weight, lowered blood pressure and fewer were smokers.

The NHS urges eligible people in Harrow aged between 40 to 74 to get a free NHS health check from their GP or local pharmacy.

The full Medicspot report is available here:

https://www.medicspot.co.uk/reports/proactive-report-2019