There’s a heart-rending advert being run by the British Heart Foundation at the moment. Its strapline is ‘Heart Disease is Heartless’, and it shows the devastation that a sudden heart attack can bring to families.
Apparently 190 people die in the UK of a heart attack every day, which is an incredibly sobering thought. Yet quite often people who consider themselves fit and healthy, and who rarely visit the doctor, are most at risk. As many as 7 million people are walking around with undiagnosed high blood pressure, which is a significant contributor to fatal heart attacks. It’s easy to be blissfully aware of any underlying issues, but a simple blood pressure check at your local GP costs nothing, and takes no time at all.
Heart disease isn’t our only hidden killer. It’s estimated that as many as 7 million people in the UK unknowingly have ‘prediabetes’, which can lead to Type 2 diabetes. Most people associate diabetes with obesity and poor diet, but age can also be a factor. A simple blood test can help catch it early, and progression to full Type 2 diabetes can be avoided through regular exercise and diet management.
The other common killer to watch out for is a stroke. According to the Stroke Association, someone in the UK suffers from a stroke every 3 minutes and 27 seconds. Recognising the early signs is crucial. It normally produces sudden symptoms such as numbness or paralysis on one side, speech difficulties, difficulty swallowing, and problems with vision, balance and coordination. The mnemonic to use to diagnose a stroke is FAST:
F is for face. Look in a mirror and smile. If either the left or right half of the face is not moving normally and symmetrically then you should call for help.
A is for arms. Do they move normally, or is one arm weaker than the other?
S is for speech. Is your speech slurred, or your words not making sense?
T is for telephone (for help) if any of the above is abnormal.
Michael Ward, Managing Director of PayingTooMuch.com said “No-one wants to think about the unthinkable. But day after day, seemingly healthy people are struck down by these so-called ‘silent killers’ and their families are left both emotionally and financially devastated. Apart from having regular health checks, you should also make sure you have sufficient life insurance cover in place. It doesn’t have to cost the earth, but can make all the difference to those you leave behind.”
The good news is that simple health checks are available for free at your local surgery or pharmacist. They will help you rule out any impending issues, and lead to you receiving treatment before it’s too late. And, did you know that if you are aged between 40 and 75 you are entitled to a free NHS health check? You will be given tests for everything from cholesterol levels to kidney function. Make sure you’re registered with a GP, and you should be invited for an appointment. These health checks would cost hundreds of pounds if you choose a private clinic, so make sure you don't miss out.
