New estimates suggest the current NHS Health Check programme is preventing about 300 premature deaths, resulting in an additional 1000 people at age 80 years being free of cardiovascular diseases, dementia, and lung cancer each year in England. The absolute effect on health was greatest for those living in the most deprived areas.
The research by the University of Cambridge and London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine also estimated that if risk for cardiovascular disease continues to decline, these benefits will be attenuated by as much as a third.
Presenting the findings in PLoS Medicine, the authors say “the estimates of overall benefit are broadly in line with an estimate of likely benefit made prior to the programme’s introduction, which provides reassurance that the programme is meeting those expectations.” They add that “the current practice of ensuring a higher attendance amongst people living in more deprived areas appears to be reducing health inequalities.”
However, they say there is considerable scope to improve the health benefits of the programme by making feasible changes to its delivery, such as ensuring that those who are assessed and eligible for treatments receive appropriate treatment. Additionally, they suggest focusing on inviting previous nonattenders and widening the eligibility criteria to include those with an existing diagnosis of hypertension.
