Prime Highlights:
- Free heart health screenings are being offered to residents to help detect issues like high blood pressure and high cholesterol early.
- Younger adults, especially men aged 25–45, are encouraged to get checked to reduce long-term heart risks and adopt healthier lifestyles.
Key Facts:
- In 2025, 2,247 people attended screenings, with 32% found to have high blood pressure and 27% having high cholesterol.
- Screenings are available to residents aged 25–70 who are not already being treated for these conditions, with follow-ups every five years.
Background:
People in Guernsey are being encouraged to take their heart health seriously following new figures that reveal a growing number of residents are living with undiagnosed risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Health organisers have described the trend as concerning, after more than a third of people tested last year were found to have either high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
February, which marks National Heart Month, has prompted Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG to renew its call for islanders to attend free cardiac health checks. The charity says early screening plays a vital role in preventing serious conditions such as heart attacks and strokes.
In 2025, screening attendance doubled to 2,247 people. The checks showed that 32% had high blood pressure and 27% had high cholesterol. Many did not know they had these problems, as such conditions often develop without clear symptoms.
Centre manager Caroline Ogier said early detection can make a significant difference. She explained that people often attend screenings when they reach milestone birthdays or when they feel something is not quite right, but stressed that waiting for symptoms is not always the safest approach.
The service wants to encourage younger adults, especially men aged 25 to 45, who often avoid routine GP visits. Finding health problems early can reduce future risks and help people live healthier lives.
The screening programme raises awareness about conditions like irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. Managing these early can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease later on.
Residents are being advised to follow simple heart-healthy habits such as stopping smoking, exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, keeping a healthy weight, and limiting alcohol intake to under 14 units a week. Reducing saturated fat intake and attending regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks are also strongly recommended.
Free screenings at Guernsey Chest and Heart are available to islanders aged 25 to 70 who are not currently receiving treatment for these conditions. Follow-up checks are offered every five years, helping residents stay informed and take control of their long-term heart health.
