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Heart health

This is your guide to a stronger, healthier heart.

The human heart is a muscle that works like a pump. It sends blood around your body to keep you alive. Heart disease refers to conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. It's one of the main causes of death and disability in the UK, but it can often be prevented through adopting health behaviours and medical support.

Our services

The following local services in Camden can help you to look after your heart.

NHS Health Check

All GP practices in Camden offer a free overall health check-up for signs of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

You should have been invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP if you:

  • are between 40 and 74 years old
  • have not had this check in the last 5 years
  • do not have any of these conditions

If you think you're eligible but have not been invited, make an appointment at your GP surgery. Visit the NHS Health Check page for more information.

Blood Pressure checks at local pharmacies

Most pharmacies in Camden offer a free blood pressure check service. If you're aged 40 years and over and currently do not have any heart conditions, you can walk into the pharmacy for this free blood pressure check without an appointment.

Find a pharmacy near you that offers free blood pressure checks.  

The pharmacist will also advise you on how to prevent or manage high blood pressure and refer you for further support, if needed.

Community Health and Wellbeing Pods

The Community Health and Wellbeing Pods are free, self-service digital health kiosks in community settings. No appointment or referral is needed. Anyone can use them to check blood pressure, weight, body mass index (BMI) and other health indicators without going to a pharmacy or GP.  
Visit the Community Health and Wellbeing Pods page for more information.

Camden Health and Wellbeing Bus

If you are 30 years and over, visit our Camden Health and Wellbeing Bus where we'll check your risk of developing diabetes and offer you a free diabetes test. They will advise you on how to prevent diabetes from occurring or stop it from getting worse. They will also refer you to further support within the borough based on your needs. 

You can walk into the bus and ask for this service. An appointment is not required. View the bus locations and timetable.  

Stopping smoking 

By stopping smoking, you will have better heart health, and your risk of heart diseases will be reduced. Learn more about the range of support to help you stop smoking.

Maintaining a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight through healthy eating and physical activity goes a long way to reducing your risk of heart disease. Learn more about the range of support to help you maintain a healthy weight.