Anyone aged 40 to 74 who is not currently taking statins or blood pressure medication can order these test kits free of charge in the UK.
A simple DIY test that can be easily done at home can now tell you if you are at risk for deadly heart disease. The test kit from ProDoc, an innovative AI health tech startup, accurately measures a patient's cholesterol levels and estimates their heart age, while also calculating their BMI score.
Experts say people aged between 40 and 74 who aren't currently taking statins or blood pressure medication can order these tests for free in the UK, which will deliver results in under nine minutes.
The test also provides access to follow-up treatment options, if needed.
According to doctors, the number of people dying prematurely from heart disease is at its highest level in the last decade. Statistics show that cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide, accounting for 32% of all deaths by 2023. That's one death every 1.5 seconds, or 56,000 deaths per day. Of these deaths, 85% are due to heart attacks and strokes.
According to the British Heart Foundation, around 39,000 people under 75 will die from heart disease in England in 2022. On average, more than 750 people die per week – the highest number since 2008.
Doctors say delayed diagnosis is one of the reasons for the surge in heart disease, and The Sun reports that Prodoc will make the kits available to order through the NHS and local pharmacies.
What are the signs of heart disease?
Experts warn that heart disease in most cases does not show obvious signs, so if you are overweight or obese, lead a sedentary lifestyle, eat mostly junk and processed foods and have high blood pressure, you should be aware of the following problems:
Chest pain and discomfort
Chest discomfort and pain are the most common sign of heart disease across all age groups. Doctors say that clogged arteries can cause chest pain, tightness, or pressure.
Nausea and indigestion
Many people who have a heart attack experience nausea and indigestion, and doctors say they may even vomit.
Pain radiating down the arm
Another typical symptom of a heart attack is pain that radiates down the left side of the body. In most cases, this pain starts in the chest and radiates outwards.
To feel dizzy
When blood pressure drops or spikes due to insufficient blood supply, you may lose your balance, faint, or feel dizzy.
fatigue
If you feel fatigued or short of breath after a task like climbing stairs, it's important to see a doctor. Experts say extreme fatigue or unexplained weakness that lasts for several days could be a symptom of heart disease.
Sweating constantly
Breaking into a cold sweat for no apparent reason could be a sign of a heart attack. If this symptom occurs along with other symptoms, see a doctor right away.