Free vascular health checks for the over 40's promises to save 2,000 lives each year

A scheme whereby everyone between the age of 40 to 74 will be given free health screening for vascular diseases is to be introduced in Britain next year.

British Health Secretary Alan Johnson says the vascular diseases stroke, diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease, affect the lives of 4.1 million people, account for a fifth of all hospital admissions and kill 170,000 a year.

The government estimates that earlier detection could prevent up to 9,500 heart attacks and strokes and save the lives of 2,000 a year.

The Health Secretary says the case for a national program of vascular checks is compelling.

The program which will cost 250 million pounds a year, will be introduced in the 2009-2010 financial year and when fully operational, aims to check 3 million people a year with a recall every five years.

The government says the benefits of a healthier population far outweigh the initial costs.

Currently only around a fifth of all British adults have the checks, which cover a patient's cholesterol level, weight relative to height, blood pressure and smoking record.

The program will entail those found at risk being given advice on lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking and taking more exercise; those whose health is most seriously threatened will also be given medication.

Everyone checked will receive a personal assessment report, setting out their level of risk and what they can do to reduce it.

In order that all sections of the population are included, the checks will be available in community centers as well as pharmacies and doctors' surgeries.

The British Medical Association is not convinced and has questioned the effectiveness of running such a large, untargeted program when no pilot schemes have been conducted and fear it will impact on access to services for sick patients and place an intolerable strain on already overstretched health services.