A retrospective evaluation of the NHS Health Check Programme in a multi ethnic population

Background The NHS Health Check Programme was introduced in 2009 to improve primary prevention of coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and chronic kidney disease; however, there has been debate regarding the impact. We present a retrospective evaluation of Leicester City Clinical Commissioning Group. Methods Data are reported on diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, high risk of type 2 diabetes and high risk of cardiovascular disease. Data on management following the Health Check is also reported. Results Over a five year period 53, 799 health checks were performed, 16, 388 (30%) people were diagnosed with at least one condition when diagnosis of being at high risk of cardiovascular disease was defined as ≥20% . This figure increased to 43% when diagnosis of high cardiovascular risk ≥10% was included. Of the 3,063 (5.7%) individuals diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 54 % were prescribed metformin and 26% were referred for structured education. Of the 5,797 (10.8%) individuals diagnosed at high risk of cardiovascular disease (≥20%) 64% were prescribed statins. Conclusion A high proportion of new cases of people at risk of cardiovascular disease were identified by the NHS Health Check Programme. Data suggest that this has translated into appropriate preventative measures.