GET a health check now is the message from a Solihull woman who only discovered she had a life-threatening condition following a GP health check-up.
People aged 40 to 74 and who do not have a pre-existing health condition, should be invited to an NHS Health Check by their GP.
Pinda Hoonjan, decided to take up her GP’s invitation and found out she had extremely high blood pressure.
Pinda said: “I got the text inviting me to book a slot and a 48-year-old woman I thought it would be interesting to see how my general health was.
“As soon as the practice nurse took my blood pressure, they alerted the GP and I was told to go to accident and emergency straightaway.
“I spent the afternoon and evening being monitored at the hospital and was discharged with medications to reduce my blood pressure.
“I am so glad I found out about my problem before it caused a heart attack or stroke.”
“At a follow-up appointment with my GP we discussed how I could better manage my condition.
Linda works in IT so is desk bound for most days, but tries to keep healthy at work.
She added: “I am now eating more healthily, walking more and trying to keep active.
“Health issues like high blood pressure don’t have symptoms, they’re called the ‘silent killers,’ by doctors! So please, when your GP invites you for a free check-up, book yourself in – ignorance is not bliss, it could be fatal.”
Councillor Tony Dicicco, Solihull Cabinet member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “February is Heart Month so there’s even more incentive to take up your GP’s offer of a free health check-up.
“Pinda’s story is an example of why those without any pre-existing health conditions should take the time to get a health MOT.”
