DoH: Plans should help detect CVD
Wednesday, 28 May 2008 14:46
The government is preparing plans for health checks to identify people at risk of heart disease, the Department of Health (DoH) has said.
Its comments follow guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence on how doctors should identify people at risk of cardiovascular disease.
A spokesperson for the DoH said the guidance is similar to the tool already widely in use in the NHS to decide who will benefit from cholesterol-lowering drugs.
"We are currently working on plans for vascular checks for those aged between 40 and 74, so that they can be helped to minimise their risk of developing disease," the spokesperson added.
"A key part of this programme will be its contribution to our drive to reduce health inequalities."