Heart Health Check
Understand your risk of heart attack and stroke with a private heart health check with Consultant Cardiologist Dr Salam Salloum (GMC 5209498). Available face to face in Peterborough or Corby, or by video or telephone from anywhere in the UK.
Heart health check overview
A heart health check is a cardiology assessment for people without a known heart problem who want to understand their risk of heart disease, or who have a concern such as a family history, borderline blood pressure or high cholesterol. It looks at your overall risk of heart attack and stroke, and at what you can do to reduce it.
It is different from the NHS Health Check, which is offered to adults aged 40 to 74 in England about every five years. A private heart health check with a consultant cardiologist gives you more time, a personalised explanation, and access to tests that are not part of the NHS Health Check when they are clinically useful.
What a heart health check is not
- It is not a whole-body scan. Scans in people without symptoms are not recommended
- It is not an emergency service. If you have chest pain or other worrying symptoms, you need an assessment of those symptoms first
- It cannot guarantee that you will never develop heart disease
Who should consider a heart health check
- People over 40, particularly men over 45 and women after the menopause
- A family history of heart disease, especially a heart attack or sudden death in a close relative before 55 in men or 65 in women
- High blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a history of smoking
- People of South Asian background, who have a higher average risk of heart disease
- People who have been told their blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar is borderline, and want to know what it means
- People planning to start vigorous exercise after a long period of inactivity
- Anyone who wants a clear picture of their heart health and a personal plan
If you have symptoms such as chest discomfort or breathlessness on effort, you should be assessed in a consultation first, because you may need different tests. See chest pain and shortness of breath.
What does a heart health check include?
Your appointment may include:
- A detailed history of symptoms, family history and lifestyle
- Blood pressure, pulse and examination
- A 12-lead ECG
- A 10-year cardiovascular risk score such as QRISK3
- Review of your cholesterol and blood sugar results, or advice on which blood tests to have
- A personal plan covering blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, activity, smoking and alcohol
Further tests when they are useful
- An echocardiogram to look at the heart structure and pumping function, for example if there is a murmur or abnormal ECG
- An exercise ECG or stress echo for people who are starting vigorous exercise or have symptoms on effort
- A CT coronary calcium score or CT coronary angiogram in selected people at intermediate risk
- Heart-rhythm or 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, see nationwide cardiac monitoring
Tests are suggested only when the result is likely to change your plan. Imaging, ECG and monitoring are provided by separate organisations with their own pricing and policies.
How is heart attack and stroke risk calculated?
Your risk of a heart attack or stroke over the next 10 years is estimated using a risk score such as QRISK3. It combines your age, sex, ethnicity, blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, weight, kidney function and family history. A score of 10% means that about 10 in 100 people with your profile would be expected to have a heart attack or stroke in 10 years.
In the UK, NICE advises that people with a 10-year risk of 10% or more are offered a discussion about starting a cholesterol-lowering statin, alongside lifestyle changes. The score is a guide, and your own circumstances matter too.
Risk factors you can change
- High blood pressure, see hypertension
- High cholesterol, see high cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes and high blood sugar
- Being overweight, low physical activity and a poor diet
- Heavy alcohol intake
Risk factors you cannot change
- Age and male sex
- A close family history of early heart disease, see coronary artery disease
- Ethnic background
How can I reduce my risk of heart disease?
- Stop smoking. This is the single most effective step for most smokers
- Move more: aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, such as brisk walking
- Eat a Mediterranean-style diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, pulses, fish and wholegrains, and less salt, processed meat and sugary food
- Keep to a healthy weight and drink within the recommended limit of 14 units a week
- Have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked regularly, and treat them if they are raised
When lifestyle changes are not enough, medicines such as statins and blood pressure tablets are very effective at lowering risk. Your plan will explain the options and the targets.
Symptoms that need prompt assessment
A heart health check is for people without symptoms. Seek assessment promptly for chest pain or tightness, breathlessness out of proportion to effort, fainting, palpitations or ankle swelling.
Call 999 for severe or persistent chest pain, pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw with sweating or breathlessness, or collapse.
What happens after a heart health check?
You receive a clear written letter with your results, your estimated risk and recommended next steps. If anything needs treatment, such as high blood pressure or a high cholesterol level, the plan explains the options and the targets. You can share it with your GP.
A normal result is reassuring but cannot guarantee that you will never develop heart disease, so the letter also explains the symptoms that should prompt you to seek help.
How often should I have a heart health check?
- Face-to-face consultation in Peterborough or Corby: includes examination and an ECG
- Video consultation or telephone consultation: to go through your risk and results from anywhere in the UK
- Tests such as echocardiography, exercise ECG or CT coronary imaging can be added if appropriate
- If you already have results, a cardiac investigations review is available
How often to repeat a check depends on your results and risk. Your letter will say when a repeat check is sensible. If your health, family history or symptoms change, do not wait. Self-funded patients do not need a GP referral. If you plan to use private medical insurance, check whether preventive checks are covered, as many policies do not cover screening. You can book a consultation online.
Heart health check questions and answers
Do I need to fast or bring anything?
Please bring a list of your medicines and any recent blood tests, ECGs or scans. Fasting is only needed if a fasting blood test is being arranged.
Is a heart health check the same as a full body scan?
No. It is a targeted cardiac assessment based on your history and risk. Whole-body scans are not recommended for people without symptoms.
How often should I repeat it?
This depends on your results and risk. Your letter will say when a repeat check is sensible.
Is it worth it if I feel well?
Yes, for many people. Heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol often cause no symptoms for years. A check can find them early, when treatment is most effective.
Do I need a GP referral?
No. Self-funded patients can book directly.
Can I have a heart health check by video?
Yes, for reviewing your risk, results and plan. A face-to-face appointment is better if you want an examination and an ECG on the day.
Can I use private medical insurance?
Many policies do not cover screening for people without symptoms. Please check your policy before booking.
Heart health check key facts
- It estimates your 10-year risk of heart attack and stroke and gives you a personal plan.
- It is most useful if you are over 40, have a family history, or have raised blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar.
- Further tests are suggested only when they will change your plan.
- Symptoms such as chest pain or breathlessness need a separate assessment.
- A normal result is reassuring but not a guarantee.
This page follows NICE guideline NG238 on cardiovascular disease risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification (2023), the 2021 ESC Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (Eur Heart J 2021;42:3227-3337), the QRISK3 risk score (BMJ 2017;357:j2099) and NHS Health Check information.
To arrange a heart health check, you can book a face to face consultation in Peterborough or Corby, which allows an examination and ECG, or a video consultation or telephone consultation to go through your risk and results from anywhere in the UK. Tests such as echocardiography, exercise ECG or CT coronary imaging can be added if appropriate.
Book Your Heart Health Check Today
Personalised care
Your history, tests and questions are reviewed so the advice fits you.
Consultant-led care
Seen and assessed by a consultant cardiologist.
Clear
next steps
A written letter with your findings and next steps.
Advanced
diagnostics
Specialist in echo, stress echo, cardiac CT, MRI and heart failure.
Medically reviewed by Dr Salam Salloum, Consultant Cardiologist. Last reviewed: . This page is for general information and does not replace personal medical advice.