Coronary Heart Disease (CHD). The Ongoing Challenge and how can you help your team…

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) remains the leading cause of death in the UK, a serious condition that demands ongoing attention and action. While the number of deaths from CHD has significantly decreased over the past few decades, thanks to improved public awareness, medical advancements, and health policies, it remains a substantial public health issue. According to the latest figures, in the financial year ending 2023, over 1.86 million people in England alone— equivalent to 3% of the population—had a GP diagnosis of CHD.

Understanding the Decline in CHD Deaths

The decline in CHD-related deaths is a testament to the effectiveness of sustained public health efforts. In 1998, a report from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) recorded 175,793 deaths from CHD. By 2008, this figure had almost halved to 88,236. This improvement is largely due to increased public awareness about the risk factors associated with CHD, such as smoking, poor diet, and physical inactivity. Government initiatives and campaigns led by organisations like the BHF have played a crucial role in promoting healthier lifestyles, which, alongside better treatments and health education, have helped to prevent the onset of CHD.

The Importance of Prevention and Early Detection

At Workplace Health MOT, we believe that prevention is always better than cure. Despite the progress made, CHD still poses a significant threat, particularly given the ageing population and lifestyle factors that continue to contribute to heart disease. Our mission is to bring the benefits of health screening to the workplace, making it easier and more affordable for people to access potentially life-saving health checks. Our Health MOTs are designed to assess and raise awareness of the risk factors associated with CHD and other serious conditions. The screening includes:

Blood pressure:

High blood pressure is a key risk factor for CHD and often goes unnoticed without regular checks.

Height, weight, and BMI:

Obesity is a major contributor to CHD, and monitoring these factors helps in managing this risk.

Cholesterol levels:

High cholesterol is directly linked to the development of CHD, making this a critical part of our health screenings.

Diabetes screening (finger prick test):

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of CHD, so early detection and management are crucial.

Cardiovascular risk assessment:

Evaluating the overall risk of heart disease based on various factors.

Lifestyle discussion:

Providing personalised advice on diet, exercise, and other lifestyle choices that impact heart health.

Awareness of age and gender-related cancers and illnesses:

Educating individuals on risks that increase with age and how gender can affect the likelihood of certain conditions.

The Benefits of Health Screening

Health screenings provide invaluable insights into your body’s current state and can detect the early onset of health problems, allowing for timely intervention. At Workplace Health MOT, all clients receive written results and tailored advice from our health professionals. If necessary, we will also refer clients to their GP or another relevant health professional for further investigation or treatment.