Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital has become the first hospital on the south coast to launch the Complete Heart Health Plan, a full assessment of someone’s heart health with a focus on family history.
Leading cardiologist, Dr Chris Critoph is one of only two consultants based in the south that is qualified in cardiac genetics. Using this knowledge, Dr Critoph has launched the Complete Heart Health Plan at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital. The new programme is available to anyone who might be concerned about their heart health or has a family history of cardiovascular disease, which is one of the major causes of death in the UK and worldwide.
Once a patient registers they will be sent a family history questionnaire to complete, in advance of the first consultation, which helps to determine the likelihood of inherited heart problems. The first appointment is a ‘one-stop shop’, with several painless tests all taking place on one day, including an ECG, echocardiogram, exercise test and an analysis of blood work. This reduces the time a patient has to wait for their results and reveals a clear picture of heart health. Following this, Dr Critoph provides a comprehensive report which includes a risk assessment for the future, and a specialised genetic risk profile that will reveal their genetic history and linkages to health risks.
Genetic cardiologist, Dr Chris Critoph, said: “I am thrilled to be launching the much-needed Complete Heart Health Plan at Nuffield Health Bournemouth. For many, this could provide life-changing information and encourage positive lifestyle choices for the future. Cardiovascular disease can unfortunately be inherited and sometimes doesn’t present with symptoms, so it’s not until an attack takes place that the disease is discovered, by which time it could be too late. It’s very important that those who do have a family history of cardiovascular disease take their health seriously and undertaking a full heart health assessment can be part of this“.
“After receiving your genetic risk profile and test results, the next step in the process is to use the information I give you to improve your health, minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease, and show you how to put it into practice. By making a few small changes to your lifestyle you can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as improve your quality of life, which is what I’m looking to encourage my patients to do”.
“I have partnered with West Hants Tennis & Health Club, who as part of the Complete Heart Health Plan will offer each patient a tailor-made fitness programme and the on-site nutritionist will provide an in-depth diet plan for the patient to follow. One year after the first consultation, the patient will have a follow-up meeting with me to follow up on the changes they’ve made to their lifestyle and the positive effect it has had on their heart health.”
The Complete Heart Health Plan is now available at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, through self-pay. To make an appointment at Nuffield Health Bournemouth Hospital, or for further information, please contact customer services on: 01202 375032.