People across parts of Scotland will soon benefit from a new programme of heart and lung health checks designed to identify risks earlier, improve prevention and support healthier lifestyles.
The Scottish Government has confirmed the launch of Healthy Heart and Lung Checks, delivering on a key commitment made during its first 100 days in office. Announced by First Minister John Swinney, the initiative aims to tackle cardiovascular and respiratory disease through earlier intervention and targeted community support.
The programme will be delivered by Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) in partnership with local NHS services. Participants will undergo a series of health assessments including blood pressure monitoring, cholesterol testing, BMI measurement, pulse and heart rate checks, alongside a lifestyle review.
Based on the results, individuals will receive personalised advice and support to help them better manage their health and reduce their risk of developing serious heart and lung conditions.
Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases remain among the leading causes of ill health across Scotland, placing significant pressure on health and social care services. The new checks are intended to identify potential health issues before they become more serious, enabling people to access appropriate support sooner.
The scheme will initially be rolled out in Tayside, Glasgow and Grampian. Over the next five years, the Scottish Government and CHSS will work together to expand and refine the model, with a particular focus on reaching communities that experience poorer health outcomes and lower levels of engagement with traditional healthcare services.
Health leaders hope the initiative will help tackle persistent health inequalities while supporting earlier diagnosis and prevention.
Scottish 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.”
The Healthy Heart and Lung Checks programme forms part of a wider preventative healthcare strategy aimed at reducing demand on frontline NHS services. By identifying risk factors earlier and supporting healthier lifestyles, policymakers hope to minimise avoidable hospital admissions and improve long-term health outcomes.
The initiative also reflects a growing focus on community-based healthcare delivery, helping to engage populations who may be less likely to access traditional clinical settings while providing practical support closer to home.
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