Workplace heart health checks being rolled out in Northumberland

08 Nov 2024

Workplace cardiovascular disease (CVD) checks are being rolled out in Northumberland to help provide people with information about their risk of having a heart attack or stroke, or of developing diabetes or dementia, and support them to reduce their risk. 

Delivered by Northumberland County Council’s in-house Health Trainers, the CVD checks will be delivered in workplaces until March 2025, as part of a Department of Health and Social Care pilot scheme. 

Cardiovascular disease is a general term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels. It's usually associated with a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries and an increased risk of blood clots. It can also be associated with damage to arteries in organs such as the brain, heart, kidneys and eyes. 

This new outreach model will involve Health Trainers delivering checks in targeted workplaces throughout the county. 

Cllr Veronica Jones, cabinet member for Public Health at Northumberland County Council, said: “We are delighted to be part of a pilot programme that helps people to identify CVD and provide advice on how to address the risk factors. 

“CVD is one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it can often largely be prevented by adopting healthy behaviours and identifying and treating high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes early. We know that many people are living with these conditions that, if left untreated, significantly increase the risk of a potentially deadly heart attack or stroke.” 

CVD checks will include checking blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI) or waist circumference, and questions on health behaviour including smoking status. In addition, for people aged 40 to 74 years without existing conditions, the Health Trainers will offer a full NHS Health Check which also includes questions about family history of CVD and a blood test for cholesterol and (if at high risk) diabetes.  

More information is available by emailing: healthtrainers@northumberland.gov.uk