Mark thinking whilst he leaves the surgery
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I’m glad I had that health check
This is a good time to reappraise life and make changes. Many people who do this go on to lead improved lives.
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I feel better on this new diet
By making some healthy changes to his lifestyle, Mark can reduce the likelihood of future problems. Tools such as the Eat Well Plate can provide information from recognised sources and consolidate understanding.
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I was scared of activity before but I think it’s getting a bit easier
Research has shown that exercise has several health benefits. Discussing options with Mark and getting him to consider different ways of being more physically active allow the health professional to reinforce the benefits of 30 minutes of physical active on most days of the week.
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Maybe I won’t end up like my brother
Mark’s brother may have had other risk factors that contributed to his heart attack. Exploring cardiac misconceptions with Mark and discussing the importance of risk factors can lead to a better understanding of the relationship between cardiac disease risk and individual profiles.
Pulse point
A significant cardiovascular event in a relative can be the key to a family member taking action to address their own cardiovascular risk. Opportunistic cardiovascular screening, such as the Scottish Executive / Government Unmet Needs projects, the British Heart Foundation Hearty Lives Dundee or Scotland’s Keep Well programme, is proving successful in cases such as Mark’s. Engagement in this informal way has highlighted to him the need to visit his GP practice and engage with health care professsionals appropriately, in order to support his long term health and clinical management.
Page last reviewed: 27 May 2020
