In today’s health-conscious era, prioritising well-being has become a central focus in our lives. However, understanding just how fit we truly are requires a comprehensive approach.

A medical check-up is the optimal method for obtaining a holistic view of your overall health. Familiarising yourself with essential health indicators can play a pivotal role in preventing potential illnesses and diseases.

Here’s a breakdown of key health numbers that can provide valuable insights into your well-being:

1. Body Mass Index (BMI):
   • BMI, frequently mentioned in the media, is a straightforward index of weight-for-height. It classifies individuals as underweight, overweight, or obese based on the ratio of their weight to the square of their height in meters.
2. Resting Heart Rate:
   • Your resting heart rate serves as an indicator of your basic fitness level and is a reliable predictor of cardiovascular health. Monitoring this metric can offer valuable insights into your overall well-being.
3. Waist to Hip Ratio:
   • The distribution of body fat, especially around the abdominal area, can impact health significantly. Research suggests that fat stored in this region may contribute to heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Understanding your waist-to-hip ratio is crucial for assessing this risk.
4. Cholesterol:
   • Surprisingly, over half of all UK adults have elevated cholesterol levels, and a cholesterol test is the only definitive way to ascertain if you are affected. High cholesterol is linked to heart disease, a prevalent cause of mortality in the UK.
5. Blood Pressure:
   • Elevated blood pressure places additional strain on your arteries and heart, potentially leading to severe health issues such as heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, or dementia. Regular blood pressure tests are essential for early detection and preventive measures.
6. Blood Sugars:
   • Monitoring your blood sugar levels is critical for identifying diabetes or the risk of developing it. For type 2 diabetes, often associated with lifestyle factors, early detection allows for dietary adjustments that may prevent the need for medication and even avert the onset of the disease.
7. Bone Density:
   • Bone density testing, a non-invasive procedure known as bone densitometry or a bone mineral density scan (BMD), provides insights into the strength of your bones. This assessment can reveal potential risks of osteoporosis, guiding proactive measures for bone health.
8. Mammogram/Prostate Check:
   • Depending on age, routine checks like mammograms for women and prostate checks for men are advised by healthcare professionals. These screenings are crucial for early detection of tumors or cancerous cells, significantly improving the chances of successful intervention.

If you’re interested in discovering your health numbers, consider booking a comprehensive medical check-up or consulting your GP to determine which medical is best suited for you.

Prioritising these assessments can empower you to take control of your well-being and make informed decisions about your lifestyle.

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is found in the blood and plays an important role in our bodies. However, high levels of cholesterol can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. Unfortunately, cholesterol is often referred to as a “silent killer” as there are usually no symptoms and the first indication that something is wrong may be a heart attack. That’s why it’s important to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly. 

Instant cholesterol testing only requires a short nurse appointment that provides you with both the test and the results during the same appointment. This type of testing makes it easy and convenient for people to understand their cholesterol levels and take steps to keep them under control. 

Statistics from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) show that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, accounting for around 26% of all deaths. The most common type of CVD is coronary heart disease, which is caused by a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries leading to the heart. High cholesterol levels can contribute to the formation of these fatty deposits. 

By knowing your cholesterol numbers through instant testing, you can understand your risk of developing CVD and take the necessary steps to keep your levels under control. NICE recommends that all adults in the UK should have their cholesterol levels checked at least once every five years, or more frequently if they are at increased risk of CVD. Those at increased risk include people with a family history of CVD, smokers, people with high blood pressure, and people with diabetes. 

To keep your cholesterol levels under control, it is important to make changes to your diet. This includes eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, and reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats. You should also aim to maintain a healthy weight and be physically active for at least 30 minutes a day. 

If lifestyle changes are not enough, medication may be required. The most common type of cholesterol-lowering medication is statins, which work by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. Statins are widely used in the UK and are safe and effective. 

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recently released updated guidelines on the use of statins, which now recommend that they can be considered for people at a lower risk threshold.

Further reading on “NICE recommends wider use of statins for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD)”.

In conclusion, instant cholesterol testing provides an easy and convenient way to understand your cholesterol levels and take steps to keep them under control. Regular testing is important for everyone in the UK, especially those who are at increased risk of CVD. By knowing your numbers, making changes to your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active, you can help keep your cholesterol levels in the healthy range and reduce your risk of developing serious health problems. 

Related services available at Fleet Street Clinic: 

Instant Cholesterol Testing with a nurse

Blood Tests at Fleet St. Clinic

Well Person Medical

GP Services