Don’t Wait Until it’s Too Late – Make Use of our Cardiovascular Screening Programme
You may be at risk of having a heart attack, angina or stroke over the next 10 years – and not even know it. But don’t panic, help is on its way!
Our cardiovascular disease (CVD) screening programme of free check-ups can help you and your family avoid a frightening or life-threatening event.
All it takes is about 20-25 minutes of your time and involves answering some basic questions by your family doctor or nurse as well as some routine blood tests, and measurements of your blood pressure, height and weight. You can bring someone with you for support, if you wish.
Cardiovascular diseases are diseases affecting the heart (cardio) and circulatory (vascular) system, including heart attacks, stroke, angina (chest pain) and poor blood circulation. People with diabetes have a much higher risk of developing cardiovascular problems.
In line with the principle that prevention is better than cure, participating General Practices in the Rotorua district are inviting thousands of patients to have a free five-year check-up. Among the first groups to be screened are men aged 35 to 70 and women aged 45 to 70 from Maori, Pacific and Indian subcontinent ethnic backgrounds.
Screening programmes like this one can help people avoid major health problems in five to 10 years’ time. Top of the list of those mostly likely at risk are people who smoke, have a family history of heart problems or high blood pressure, or are at risk of developing diabetes.
The great thing is that, at the end of the check-up, the doctor or nurse will be able to let you know whether you have a mild, moderate, high or very high risk of cardiovascular health problems in the next five years – and help find the path to a healthy future.
Stop-smoking programmes, exercise programmes and friendly services and advice regarding weight reduction and healthy eating help cut down risks of heart disease – and are available to Rotorua Area Primary Health Services (RAPHS) patients at no or low cost.
Your Doctor or Practice Nurse can answer questions you have about the Cardiovascular Risk Assessment Programme.