380 lives saved through ground breaking heart health checks

Hundreds of people across Greater Manchester have been spared life-changing illness thanks to an ambitious NHS programme focused on preventing heart attacks and strokes before they happen.

Over the past year, NHS Greater Manchester’s preventive health teams have helped avoid around 380 major health emergencies, including 180 heart attacks and 200 strokes. That’s the equivalent of a heart attack every other day and a stroke every two days across the city region.

Greater Manchester faces one of the most serious challenges in the country when it comes to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The area has the highest death rate from CVD in England, more than double the national average. Every year, the disease claims nearly 5,500 lives locally, leading to an estimated 63,000 years of life lost.

In response, local GPs have been going the extra mile to identify people who may not currently be receiving the care they need to stay well. Patients at higher risk of CVD have been offered enhanced health reviews, covering:

• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Cholesterol levels
• Blood pressure
• Kidney function (eGFR)
• Blood sugar levels (HbA1c)
• Smoking status

The programme has already had a dramatic impact across Greater Manchester:

• Blood pressure checks and support have prevented an estimated 78 heart attacks and 144 strokes.
• Improved diabetes management has prevented 98 heart attacks.
• Protective medication for people with irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation) has prevented 53 strokes – the equivalent of one stroke every week.

The benefits have been particularly felt in communities where heart disease and diabetes are most common, often those facing higher levels of deprivation. In addition to saving lives, the initiative has also saved the local NHS between £6 million and £8 million in health and care costs during its first year.

Dr. Claire Lake, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Greater Manchester, praised the programme’s early success: “Every heart attack or stroke prevented is a family spared the worry and distress of a loved one being seriously ill. These results show what can be achieved when we act early, use the latest evidence, and focus on prevention. This is just the start, and we expect even greater benefits in the years ahead.”

The initiative forms part of NHS Greater Manchester’s BeCCoR programme – Beyond Core Contract Reviews – which supports GP practices to go beyond their standard responsibilities to find and help patients at the greatest risk of heart attacks, strokes, and diabetes-related complications.

Local residents are also reminded that anyone aged 40 to 74 without a pre-existing health condition should be invited to an NHS Health Check by their GP or local council every five years. These checks can spot early warning signs and help people make simple changes to reduce their risk of serious illness.

To find out more about NHS Health Checks, visit the NHS website or speak to your GP practice.