Cardiovascular health

Learn how to reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke in Essex, including NHS Health Checks, blood pressure monitoring, and lifestyle advice.

Cardiovascular health in Essex is a key priority for the NHS, with services such as NHS Health Checks and blood pressure monitoring helping prevent heart disease and stroke.

Protecting your heart health

Cardiovascular disease, sometimes called CVD, includes conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attack, stroke, angina and heart failure. These conditions often develop slowly over time.

Many people do not notice symptoms in the early stages. This means you may feel well but still be at risk.

You can reduce your risk by taking simple steps, such as attending regular health checks, staying active, eating well and understanding key risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol. Early detection can help prevent serious health problems and improve long-term outcomes.

Why cardiovascular health matters

Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death and disability in the UK. However, many cases can be prevented through early detection and healthy lifestyle choices.

Several factors increase your risk, including:

Identifying risks early and having regular checks allow you to take action before serious problems develop.

Heart Health Support Programme

Many GP practices are taking part in a local NHS programme delivered in partnership with ECLIPSE (Equality of Care Led Insights for Patient Safety and Engagement).

This programme supports people to:

  • Check their blood pressure
  • Understand their results
  • Access treatment and lifestyle support
  • Reduce long-term health risks

This free heart health programme is being offered to residents living in:

Free NHS Health Checks in Essex

NHS Health Checks play an important role in improving cardiovascular health in Essex by identifying risks early.

If you are aged 40 to 74 and do not already have cardiovascular disease, you may be eligible for a free NHS Health Check. This check helps assess your risk of developing conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and kidney disease. You will be invited to this check by your GP or local council every five years.

During your appointment, a healthcare professional will check your blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and body mass index (BMI). They will also ask about your lifestyle, including diet, physical activity, alcohol and smoking habits. Based on your results, they will provide personalised advice to help you reduce your risk.

If you have not received an invitation but think you are eligible, contact your GP practice. You can also ask your pharmacist for advice about accessing a health check.

Find out more about the free NHS Health Check

How to improve cardiovascular health

Making healthy lifestyle changes can significantly improve cardiovascular health over time. Even small changes can improve your heart health over time.

For example, you can:

  • Stop smoking, which significantly reduces your risk
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet to support heart health
  • Stay physically active to improve circulation
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your heart
  • Reduce alcohol intake to protect your blood vessels
  • Take prescribed medication as advised

These changes help protect your heart and improve your overall health.

When to seek urgent medical help

Call 999 immediately if you or someone else experiences symptoms such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Sudden weakness or numbness
  • Confusion
  • Blurry vision
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Facial drooping

These symptoms may indicate a heart attack or stroke, so urgent treatment is essential.

Trusted advice and clinical information

You can find reliable advice on the NHS website, including information about cardiovascular disease, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart attack, and stroke.

If you are concerned about your heart health, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or practice nurse. They can assess your risk and provide advice and support.

Protecting cardiovascular health in Essex helps people live longer, healthier lives.

Frequently asked questions about cardiovascular health

Cardiovascular disease refers to conditions that affect the heart and blood vessels, including heart attack, stroke, angina, and heart failure.

Many cases can be prevented or delayed. Managing your blood pressure and cholesterol, stopping smoking, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight all help reduce risk.

Heart disease is more common in older adults. However, risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure can affect people at any age.

Healthy habits reduce your long-term risk.

A risk factor is a condition or habit that can increase your risk of developing a serious illness.

The British Heart Foundation offers more information on understanding cardiovascular risk factors and how you can help improve your heart health.

Yes. Many cardiovascular risk factors do not cause symptoms. NHS Health Checks identify risk early and help prevent future problems.

FAST helps you recognise stroke symptoms quickly:

  • Face – has the face fallen on one side?
  • Arms – can the person raise both arms?
  • Speech – is speech slurred or unclear?
  • Time – call 999 immediately

Acting quickly can save lives.