Minister defends controversial NHS Health Checks programme

Source: The BMJ

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Date of publication: July 2014

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: The NHS Health Checks Programme was designed to cut cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. People aged 40 – 74 are invited to attend a check-up once every five years to assess their risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes. However, the programme has been criticised for being ineffective and a waste of money. Jane Ellison, the public health minister for England, defended the programme when she appeared before MPs on the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee.

Length of publication: 1 page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Hypertension: evidence update March 2013

Source: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

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Date of publication: March 2013

Publication type: Practice guidelines

In a nutshell: NICE has published an evidence update on hypertension, summarising a selection of new evidence published since the last literature search. Topics include the diagnosis of hypertension, antihypertensive drug treatment and patient education.

Length of publication: 27 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: NHS Evidence

Consultation on the draft document ‘Together for health – a cardiac delivery plan’

Source: Welsh Government

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Date of publication: August 2012

Publication type: Care plan

In a nutshell: Cardiac disease is the largest cause of death among the Welsh population. The Welsh Government has launched a draft strategy for a National Cardiac Delivery Plan, setting out its vision for Wales and what this entails for cardiac services in the NHS. The consultation is now open for comment, and will remain open until the 26th October 2012. Views from clinicians, NHS managers and service users are welcome.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

NICE guidance points the way to better diagnosis and management of common cardiovascular condition

Source: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

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Date of publication: August 2012

Publication type: Press release

In a nutshell: NICE has published a clinical guideline on the diagnosis and management of lower limb peripheral arterial disease. The guideline focuses on providing information, advice, support and treatment for patients with peripheral arterial disease and identifies key priorities for implementation, such as offering a supervised exercise programme.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: NICE clinical guidelines CG147

Blood pressure alone not enough to determine heart risk

Source: British Heart Foundation

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Date of publication: January 2012

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: A meta-analysis published in the Lancet has shown that a difference in systolic blood pressure of 15mm Hg between the left and the right arm indicated an increased risk of peripheral vascular disease. More research is needed to assess whether measuring blood pressure on both arms to assess vascular disease risk should become standard practice.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: The Lancet

Calls for 24-hour blood pressure monitoring

Source: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

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Date of publication: August 2011

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: NICE is now recommending that hypertension should be diagnosed using ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) over a 24 hour period. ABPM involves a mobile blood pressure monitor that straps around the patient’s waist and measures blood pressure numerous times over 24 hours. This is a change to the existing guidelines.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

NHS failing to screen for deadly heart condition

Source: National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence

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Date of publication: January 2011

Publication type: Press release

In a nutshell: 100.000 people are at risk of developing familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) as trusts fail to act on NICE guidelines which call for early diagnosis. A UK-wide audit found that very few families were systematically genetically screened for the inherited condition.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.