New at-home test kit can reveal if you’re at risk of killer heart attack in just 9 minutes – are you eligible?
A SIMPLE test done from the comfort of your own home can reveal if you're at risk of a deadly heart problem.
The DIY checks, which will be rolled out for free on the NHS from next month, estimate the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years.
It also gives patients a cholesterol reading, estimates their heart age, and calculates a body mass index (BMI) score.
People between the ages of 40 and 74 who are not currently on statins or blood pressure medication can order the tests for free from their GP.
PocDoc, the kit's manufacturer, said taking the test and sending your results to the NHS can all be done within nine minutes.
The test also provides access to follow-up treatment options where necessary.
Read more on heart attacks
It comes as experts warn that the number of Brits dying early from heart disease is at its highest level in a decade
Some 39,000 people died from conditions like heart attacks before the age of 75 in England in 2022, according to the British Heart Foundation.
They caused an average of more than 750 deaths a week — the highest total since 2008.
The charity said a delay in diagnosis is one of the reasons behind the surge.
The government announced a programme last year, designed to deliver a million tests over four years, in addition to the face-to-face checks already being carried out.
The NHS said each digital health check could save 20 minutes of doctors' time, freeing up thousands of GP appointments.
The heart check kit is the first test integrated with the NHS Health Check app.
How do I order a test?
From the end of June, those who are eligible for the existing NHS health check will be able to get tests through their GP, a PocDoc spokesperson told the Sun.
This means that your heart may not be pumping blood around your body as well as it should be, and fluid collects in your lower limbs.
So, if you’re getting swollen ankles, it’s worth making an appointment with your GP.
8. Leg pain
A gripping, cramping sensation in your calves when you are walking is a marker of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The pain is caused by your legs not receiving enough blood.
It’s most common in people who and those who have . If you notice this symptom, make an appointment with your GP.
9. Extreme fatigue
Feeling tired all the time can be a symptom of lots of conditions – including heart failure.
However, as there are so many causes of tiredness, it can be difficult to know for sure.
If you’re tired and you’ve been working long hours or staying up late, it’s probably not your heart.
But if you start experiencing extreme tiredness and your lifestyle has not changed, it’s a good idea to chat to your GP.
10. Palpitation
uddenly becoming aware of your own heartbeat and feeling like it is racing and missing beats is known as palpitations.
These are usually harmless, and can be caused by things like stress, caffeine or hormonal changes.
However, if your heart is going very fast and jumping around erratically, then that’s when you should see your GP.
If you notice this and you also experience blackouts, call 999 for an ambulance.
Palpitations can also be a sign of an abnormal heart rhythm (arrythmia), which may be caused by an underlying condition.
One of the most common arrythmias is atrial fibrillation (AF), which can increase your risk of a stroke.
Source: BHF