2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Steven Smith)
At-home testing provider MyHealthChecked is encouraging the UK to give their hearts some TLC - as an NHS GP shares the best way to boost your cardiovascular wellbeing from home. This advice follows research revealing nearly all (94%) of women weren’t aware that Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) could increase the risk of heart issues in later life, alongside 92% of women for pre-eclampsia during pregnancy and 87% for the menopause. Those curious about their heart health may opt to undergo a ‘Health MOT’ - offered both via the NHS and through private retailers like Boots.
While these services can help gain a better insight around your heart health, they are often only offered to those aged 40 and above, despite those outside of this age bracket being cardiovascular-curious. But, as MyHealthChecked outlines, there are many ways you can check in on and improve your heart health from home. The growing accessibility of at-home tests has played a key role in revitalising high street health retailers like Boots, as well as online.
Dr Dave Nichols, NHS GP and resident doctor for the at-home testing provider, outlines how blood testing can play a key role in determining the health of your heart and making positive lifestyle changes: “Common blood tests for heart health will include tests that assess factors such as raised cholesterol, abnormal kidney function or diabetes, which typically increase a person’s risk. In the early stages of heart disease patients will often have no symptoms and so the use of blood testing is a good way to identify problems early." Symptoms of heart disease in men and women Dr Nichols said: “The main symptoms of heart disease in men and women are largely the same and include chest pain, discomfort or heavy feeling in the front of your chest.
Whilst the symptoms can be similar, it is believed that women may be less likely to suffer from chest pain and may experience alternative symptoms, or sometimes no symptoms at all. “Heart UK suggests that all adults should have a cholesterol check regardless of their age and how healthy they feel. The ease of at-home testing using tests such as MyHealthChecked’s Heart Health blood test is a good way for people to establish any risk factors early.
" Another test newly available is PocDoc’s revolutionary ‘ Healthy Heart Check ’ - the first at-home test that is able to determine your heart age in under ten minutes, it is claimed. Now available at Boots, and based on NHS Guidelines, the test uses GP-level accuracy to reveal insight into your heart age, risk of cardiovascular disease, and key risk factors. Lifestyle changes to improve heart health Alongside testing, as Dr Dave recommends, there are numerous easy lifestyle changes and swaps that can be made to help improve heart health from home.
Get your heart pumping: Exercise has profound benefits on our body, improving the strength of our muscles, joints and bones, lowering our risk of long-term health conditions such as heart disease or diabetes, and helping improve our mental health by reducing stress and anxiety. Walking more is an easy way to increase your fitness, as is using the stairs and starting to incorporate body weight exercises into your fitness routine. Opt for a no-or low drink: There are many long-term benefits of reducing alcohol intake, including lowering blood pressure, reducing your risk of developing heart disease, improving cholesterol levels, weight loss and improved gut health.
It will also decrease your risk of developing other conditions such as diabetes, liver disease and certain cancers. Go smoke-free: Smoking in any form can have serious adverse effects on your health. Well-established research has shown it to be strongly associated with an increased risk of developing health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, lung disease and diabetes.
To improve a person’s health, I’d encourage any smoker, whether they be a cigarette or cigar smoker, to stop smoking to reduce this risk. The NHS offers free stop smoking services, so looking at the NHS website online or contacting your GP surgery for advice would be a good place to start. Maximise your Omega 3 : Increase the amount of Omega 3 in your body to help improve your blood lipid profile and reduce your risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Oily fish is the best source of Omega 3 fats and consuming more is the easiest way to increase your uptake, however supplements are easily available from most supermarkets and pharmacies. Enjoy a not-so-sweet life : Having a high-sugar diet, for example, by drinking large amounts of fizzy drinks, can have significant effects on your health, especially when consumed long term. Research has shown that possible side effects of this include weight gain, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease and dental problems.
Ed's heart health story Heeding Dr Dave’s advice, Ed, 50, wanted to check in on his heart health after some concerns in relation to increased exercise: “I was concerned about my heart health now that I am doing more cardio, and wanted to ensure that my increased exercise wasn't having an impact on my heart. “The expert recommendations revealed which foods are more beneficial for me when it comes to reducing cholesterol, and which ones aren't. Since testing, I've made some dietary changes: I've reduced my red meat consumption, am trying to eat more vegetables, and have switched from dairy to oat milk.
“I feel more informed and motivated to continue participating in sports as much as I can, and the testing has given me a clearer sense of direction regarding what I need to change, particularly in terms of nutrition. I’m looking forward to seeing the continued benefits of these adjustments.” As MyHealthChecked advises, it’s also important to be able to spot the signs of a heart condition.
Dr Dave explained common symptoms to look out for: “Symptoms of heart disease may include neck, jaw or abdominal discomfort, indigestion, nausea, dizziness or lightheadedness, sweating, unusual fatigue, headaches, numbness or burning in your arms or fingers or a sudden feeling of anxiety that can feel like a panic attack.” The research referenced was conducted by Censuswide with 2,000 nationally representative UK female consumers aged 18+ between January 12 and 16, 2024..
