Today the Member of Parliament for Eastleigh, Mims Davies, had her cholesterol checked at an event hosted by Heart UK as the organisation launched its ‘State of the Nation’ Report in Parliament.
Commenting, Eastleigh MP Mims Davies said:
“It was only a little prick on the finger yesterday but worth it to help raised awareness of such an important issue and to support the fantastic national charity Heart UK.
“If you are eligible to have a cholesterol test carried out free by the NHS, I would really urge you to get one done…it could be lifesaving!
“Sadly undiagnosed heart conditions can kill, and it is so worth getting checked! As many of my constituents will know I have campaigned alongside Botley residents Graham and Anne together with CRY to push for a national screening of heart conditions which will literally save lives.
“That’s why I’m so pleased to have arranged to meet with the new Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, to discuss why alongside many others, including experts, I believe prevention on this can make such a huge difference.”
Within their report, Heart UK have said that cholesterol management should be ‘rightly prioritised’ within the NHS England long term plan, and that any proposed methods to improve outcomes in these areas have a clear implementation strategy in order to prevent deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Meanwhile, together with national charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and Botley residents Graham and Anne Hunter - who tragically lost their daughter as a result of a undiagnosed heart condition in 2013 - Eastleigh MP Mims Davies has continued to campaign for a national screening of heart conditions, and will soon meet with the new Health Secretary, Matt Hancock MP, to discuss the subject.
Further info about getting your cholesterol checked:
The NHS will provide you with a free cholesterol test:
•Every 5 years if you are between the ages of 40 and 75
•Every 12 months if you are on cholesterol lowering medication
•Any child of a parent with inherited high cholesterol (FH) - by the age of 10
•First degree relatives of a person with FH - on being told of the risk
Speak to your Doctor or Practice Nurse about arranging your cholesterol test.