Latest news with #NHSHealthCheck
Daily Mail
04-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Scientists have just realised that fitness trackers are USELESS at detecting a key vital sign
Fitness trackers—from smart watches to rings—are sold as easy ways to monitor heart health. But scientists say some of these devices may be giving dangerously wrong readings. A new review from the University of Washington School of Medicine raised the alarm, finding certain smart devices claiming to track blood pressure often get it wrong. That means high blood pressure could go undiagnosed—putting users at serious risk of strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure and dementia. They warned doctors and the public not to rely on these trackers to give reliable results—and advised medics to use old-fashioned inflatable cuff monitors instead. The news comes as NHS data shows over four million people in England could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure. Dubbed a 'silent killer', it often has no symptoms but if left untreated can lead to fatal heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and even dementia. The condition affects up to a third of the adult population yet NHS data suggests three in ten remain undiagnosed. Adults between 40 and 74 are recommended to have a blood pressure check once every five years, as part of the NHS Health Check. However just 39 per cent of eligible adults currently take up the invitation. The NHS estimates that 2.5 million additional blood pressure checks could lead to 250,000 more people receiving vital treatment for hypertension. This could prevent 3,700 strokes, 2,500 heart attacks and save 2,000 lives over five years. Many experts have looked to fitness trackers—owned by a quarter of the population—as a way to improve uptake. Also known collectively as 'wearables', use of these device leads to an increase of around 1,800 extra steps per day, 40 minutes of additional activity, and a reduction of approximately 1 kg in body weight, studies have shown. They can monitor a variety of health metrics including heart rate, oxygen levels, sleep and step count. Some devices are also able to carry out electrocardiograms, which detect heart rhythms and rates. However when it comes to blood pressure, older methods may still be the best. The Washington University researchers didn't test the blood pressure trackers themselves. Instead, they looked at studies that comparing their readings to standard cuff-based monitors during daily activities, sleep, and after medication use. A major drawback was that cuffless devices rely on sensors that need to calibrated using a traditional cuff, and their reading can drift over time if users don't re-calibrate regularly. They also tend to be less reliable in certain situations, like during sleep, exercise, or when blood pressure changes quickly. On top of this, results can be affected by things like skin tone—since the sensors rely on light reflecting off the skin—body size, and medical conditions such as irregular heart rhythms or diabetes. Another major issue flagged in the review is that many devices on the market have not gone through proper independent testing. The researcher concluded there was a real risk the public could be mislead by numbers that look precise but aren't trustworthy. Cardiologist from the University of Washington School of Medicine, Dr Eugene Yang, said: 'Cuffless devices are appealing to patients and clinicians, but they have a long road ahead before they are ready for clinical use.' Last year the NHS has launched a campaign to find the 'missing millions' with high blood pressure, rolling out an additional 2.5million blood pressure checks in community pharmacies. Under the Pharmacy First programme, those aged 40 and over are urged to take up the offer of a free test, which is quick and requires no advance booking. The then health Minister Andrea Leadsom said: 'Millions of adults in England unknowingly have high blood pressure, without experiencing any symptoms. 'Knowing if you have a healthy blood pressure is so important and this new drive will help to prevent the potentially fatal consequences of untreated high blood pressure. 'I urge people to go to their local pharmacy today to get their blood pressure checked. It could be a life-saving trip.'
Daily Record
02-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Penny Lancaster addresses change in relationship with Rod Stewart after personal struggle
In an episode of Loose Women: The Podcast, the 54-year-old opened up to Coleen Nolan about how her relationship with Sir Rod Stewart is "different" to how it was when they first met Penny Lancaster has candidly discussed the impact of the menopause on her relationship with husband Rod Stewart. During a frank conversation with fellow Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan on the ITV show's podcast, the 54-year-old menopause campaigner admitted that she and Rod were initially unaware of the changes menopause could bring. She revealed that their relationship had evolved over their 25 years together, and acknowledged that many men might worry about whether their partner still finds them attractive. Penny emphasised the importance of understanding that changes in libido during menopause are often physiological, not just related to the relationship itself. Penny said: "Like you said, in a lot of relationships, having that conversation, but I didn't know about menopause, nor did Rod. But as relationships do progress, I mean, Rod and I have been together 25 years. "And, you know, we'd have the discussions about how, obviously, our intimate relationship is different to what it was when we first met. And I think a lot of men might have concerns, like, 'Do you still fancy me?'" She added: "And if the woman's not aware, you know, of the menopause, and that could be one of the reasons why the libido, the need for sex, isn't there like it used to be. It might not necessarily just be the relationship; it's that physiological thing as well." Penny highlighted the critical need for early medical advice, alongside her view that the NHS's Health Check at 40 should educate women about menopause, providing them with a "head start". It's aimed at those who are between 40 to 74-years-old and free of specific pre-existing conditions like heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes. The NHS Health Check, conducted every five years by GPs or local councils, assesses the risk of developing health issues such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke. In a previous report by Hello!, Penny detailed some of the other negative things that she experienced as a result of menopause. She was previously misdiagnosed with depression and given anti-depressants. She also recounted mistaking her menopausal symptoms for Covid-19, experiencing extreme temperature fluctuations, while her husband tirelessly searched online for information to support her. During a 2021 appearance on Loose Women, Rod described the ordeal: "It was frightening because she really wasn't the person I married. But we talked about it which I think is the most important thing a couple can do. And she explained it to me through the tears because Penny likes a cry." He added: "We talked it through and I think that's what couples have to do. Men have got to get on with it, understand and come out the other end."
Edinburgh Live
02-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Penny Lancaster admits Rod Stewart relationship has changed after reaching milestone
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Penny Lancaster has opened up about a change in her relationship with her husband, Rod Stewart, after she reached a life milestone. In a candid chat with fellow panellist Coleen Nolan on an episode of Loose Women: The Podcast, the 54-year-old talked about menopause and its impact on her relationship with the Maggie May singer. Penny, a menopause campaigner, revealed that she initially "didn't know" about the topic and neither did her husband. She also revealed that they, as a couple, had encountered a change and had "that conversation". She explained that their relationship was "different" to how it had been when they first met, before saying that a "lot of men might have concerns" and may ask a specific question. (Image: Getty Images) Penny said: "Like you said, in a lot of relationships, having that conversation, but I didn't know about menopause, nor did Rod. But as relationships do progress, I mean, Rod and I have been together 25 years. "And, you know, we'd have the discussions about how, obviously, our intimate relationship is different to what it was when we first met. And I think a lot of men might have concerns, like, 'Do you still fancy me?'" She added: "And if the woman's not aware, you know, of the menopause, and that could be one of the reasons why the libido, the need for sex, isn't there like it used to be. It might not necessarily just be the relationship; it's that physiological thing as well." Penny went on to stress the importance of getting advice from your doctor "really early on". She also said that the women's Health Check at 40 on the NHS should include information about menopause so women get a "head start". (Image:for Wol) The NHS Health Check is a free check available for people aged 40 to 74 who don't have certain pre-existing health conditions, including heart disease, chronic kidney disease, and diabetes. The check, offered every five years by your GP or council, could inform you if you are at a higher risk of developing things like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke. In a previous report by Hello!, Penny detailed some of the other negative things that she experienced as a result of menopause. She was previously misdiagnosed with depression and given anti-depressants. Penny also thought that she had Covid-19 and felt as if her blood was boiling and then felt freezing cold. Meanwhile, a supportive Rod "googled and googled and googled" in a bid to help her. Speaking on Loose Women in 2021, he said: "It was frightening because she really wasn't the person I married. But we talked about it which I think is the most important thing a couple can do. And she explained it to me through the tears because Penny likes a cry. "We talked it through and I think that's what couples have to do. Men have got to get on with it, understand and come out the other end." You can learn more about the NHS Health Check via the website here. For more on menopause, it's here.
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Simple tweak can cut dementia risk by 15 per cent and prevent mental decline, experts discover
Reducing high blood pressure cuts the risk of dementia by 15 per cent, a major 'wake-up call' study has found. Nearly 34,000 individuals aged 40 and over were studied to see if treating hypertension had an impact on cognitive impairment over four years. Those who took blood pressure pills, lost weight and cut down on salt and alcohol were found to have a significantly lower chance of going on to suffer mental decline. Masud Husain, professor of neurology at the University of Oxford, called the study as a 'landmark' in dementia research. 'It is a wake-up call to treat high blood pressure intensively, not just to protect the heart but also the brain,' he said. 'Remarkably, within just four years, there was a significant reduction in the incidence of dementia by aggressively treating raised blood pressure. 'Although many patients and their GPs understand how important it is to treat blood pressure, they might not appreciate what a risk it poses for developing dementia.' Dementia is the UK's biggest killer. The number of people with the condition is expected to rise from 57.4 million worldwide in 2019 to 152.8 million by 2050, with the greatest impact being in low- to middle-income countries. Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center gave medication and intensive healthcare coaching to 17,407 patients with untreated high blood pressure in rural Chinese villages. They were guided to lose weight and reduce the amount of salt and alcohol they consumed. A further 16,588 patients were given 'usual care' - namely blood pressure management advice and regular monitoring. The risk of all-cause dementia was reduced by 15 per cent and general cognitive impairment dropped by 16 among the first group. The study, published in Nature Medicine, suggests that reducing blood pressure could be an easy way to reduce this global burden. Dr Julia Dudley, head of research at Alzheimer's Research UK, called on the government to do more to tackle health and lifestyle factors that may cause dementia. 'This could mean introducing policies to reduce salt, sugar, and calories in processed foods, and lowering the NHS Health Check eligibility age in England from 40 to 30, so more people can start managing their blood pressure earlier in life,' she said. 'Looking after our heart and blood vessel health is something we can all do to improve our overall wellbeing and reduce our risk of dementia. With no current treatments available on the NHS to slow or stop the diseases that cause dementia, there has never been a more pressing need to promote good brain health.' Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer's Society, said: 'We know that what's good for your heart is often also good for your head. 'This is one of the first big trials to test whether treating high blood pressure, supported by health coaching, can reduce dementia risk - and the results appear to be promising. 'It is encouraging that the intervention worked in real-world, rural settings using non-physician healthcare workers, which may have implications for delivering care in areas with limited resources in the future. 'However, this four-year study cannot tell us whether the benefits will last in the long-term so we will continue to follow this trial.'
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
All over-50s could be set to receive four-in-one wonder-pill from NHS
There is a call for all over-50s to be given a wonder-pill that slashes their risk of heart attack or stroke. Over-50s should get a four-in-one super-pill on the NHS to slash their risk of a stroke or heart attack, scientists have urged. Scientists believe up to 80 per cent of strokes and heart attacks could be prevented by giving a four-in-one super-pill to everyone aged over 50 in the UK. It could stop 80 per cent of the 200,000 strokes and heart attacks suffered in the UK every year, they reckon. The pill works by combining some of the UK's most common meds including a statin and calcium channel blocker. Prof Sir Nicholas Wald said in the report: 'We have the means to prevent most heart attacks and strokes — many more than are currently being prevented.' READ MORE: New Birmingham Airport car park system starting this month READ MORE: Hundreds watch Teddy Swims perform and serve at Spud Man's wagon in Tamworth READ MORE Drivers who take up two parking spaces in supermarket car park face £100 fine 'The status quo is not a justifiable option.' The research was conducted by University College London boffins, with the results published in the British Medical Journal, as experts said millions more could start taking the pill earlier to stave off medical woes. Just eight per cent of over-50s need to take them for it to work better than the current NHS mid-life MoT scheme, the report added. The NHS Health Check is offered every five years to people aged 40 to 74 who do not have a pre-existing health condition, where they may be offered drugs to tackle high cholesterol or blood pressure levels that are putting them at greater risk of heart complications. Prof Aroon Hingorani, co-author from the UCL Institute of Health Informatics, said the current health check-up system 'isn't working very well' and that just 'four in 10 people' attend an appointment. 'Lots of people who would benefit from medication are not prescribed it,' he said. 'Our complex risk prediction tools are not very effective. They do not predict who will get a heart attack or stroke very well. That is because most heart attacks and strokes occur in people with average levels of risk. 'Now is the time to do much better on prevention. A population-wide approach could prevent many more heart attacks and strokes than the current strategy of targeting a more limited group only.' He said it would be a 'simple, effective, and potentially low-cost strategy'.
