A New Way to Understand Your Heart Health
Cardiovascular Risk Assessment at My Specialist GP.
Understanding cardiovascular risk is an important part of preventative healthcare. High blood pressure, cholesterol, family history, age and lifestyle all contribute to risk, but increasingly, technology is giving doctors additional ways to build a more detailed picture of cardiovascular health.
We have recently introduced a Cardiovascular Risk Assessment at My Specialist GP, using AI-assisted analysis of the retina to provide an age-adjusted assessment of your current and projected future risk of coronary heart disease.
What can your eyes tell us about your heart?
The retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be observed directly without surgery.
During the assessment, we take a simple photograph of the back of your eye, similar to retinal photography you may have experienced at an optician. There are no needles, no blood tests and no eye drops required.
The image is analysed within minutes, looking at characteristics within the retinal blood vessels associated with cardiovascular health.
Example of a healthy result, showing each retina alongside its blood vessel map.
What will you receive?
Your results are presented as a personalised report, including:
• A cardiovascular risk score adjusted for your age
• Your biological or vascular age
• A visual indication of where your result sits within the expected range
• A clear written summary
• Practical guidance on prevention and appropriate next steps
The entire appointment takes approximately 10 minutes, and your results are available on the same day.
Importantly, this is a risk assessment rather than a diagnosis. Its purpose is to provide another piece of useful information about your cardiovascular health and help identify where further assessment, lifestyle changes or medical intervention may be appropriate.
Who might benefit?
The assessment may be particularly useful if you have a family history of heart disease, are managing an existing health condition, have recently made significant lifestyle changes, or simply want a clearer understanding of your cardiovascular health.
If your result suggests increased risk, our doctors can discuss what it means in the context of your wider health and arrange appropriate follow-up where needed.
Cost of the service
Members: £75
Non-members: £150
If you have any questions about whether this assessment is appropriate for you, please contact our team.
You can book on our website or contact us to find out more.
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