Scotland is set to introduce heart and lung MOT-style checks, First Minister John Swinney has announced.
The Healthy Heart and Lung Checks are part of wider action to identify those most at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease, helping to prevent illness and support earlier intervention where needed.
The checks will be delivered by Chest Heart and Stroke (CHSS) and supported by local NHS services.
People will take part in a range of health tests, including blood pressure and BMI measurements, heart rate, cholesterol and pulse checks and a lifestyle assessment. People will then receive advice and support based on their individual needs.
Initially, the checks will be available to people in Tayside, Glasgow and Grampian. The programme will prioritise people and communities that are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes and less likely to access traditional health services, helping to reduce health inequalities and improve early diagnosis.
The Scottish Government and CHSS will work together over five years to develop and extend the model.
First Minister John Swinney said: "We know illnesses related to heart and lung issues affect too many families in Scotland. As our population ages and our healthcare system faces growing pressure, proactive measures to keep people healthier are more important than ever.
“These Healthy Heart and Lung Checks will not only help identify people at risk of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions at an earlier stage but will also empower people to make better, more informed decisions about their health in a way which works for them.
“They will also help reach people who might not otherwise come forward, particularly in more disadvantaged communities where the burden of ill health is greatest.
“Alongside existing interventions, our new GP walk-in clinics, and additional investment in planned care, my government is delivering a strengthened NHS by reducing pressure on acute services and enabling people to get the care they need, when and where they need it.”
Chief Executive from CHSS Jane-Claire Judson said: “Around one in five people in Scotland are living with a chest, heart or stroke condition, and we know that too many opportunities to prevent serious illness are missed because risks are identified too late.
"Our CHSS Health Defence Hubs are designed to take prevention directly into communities, helping people understand their health, identify risks earlier and access the support they need before life-changing conditions develop or worsen.
"We know that people experiencing the greatest barriers to good health are often the least likely to access traditional services. That is why this five-year partnership, with indicative funding of £3 million investment, will focus on reaching communities that experience poorer health outcomes, helping to tackle health inequalities that continue to affect too many people across Scotland.
"By working in partnership with the Scottish Government, the NHS and local communities over the next five years, we have an opportunity to prevent avoidable illness, improve health and give more people a fairer chance of living longer, healthier lives. Together, we can help create the conditions for a healthier Scotland, now and for the future.”
