UK health secretary Alan Johnston has forecast that a new national programme designed to identify and assess the risk of vascular disease in over 40s is expected to prevent up to 9,500 heart attacks and strokes per year.
Research suggests that a vascular check programme could prevent 4,000 people each year from developing diabetes, in addition to saving 2,000 lives from heart attacks.
The programme, which will see everyone aged between 40 and 74 entitled to checks, is also estimated to detect at least 25,000 cases of diabetes or kidney disease earlier, allowing for better disease management and treatment.
Associate chief medical officer Bill Kirkup said: "We aim to make vascular checks to be available in a variety of convenient places. These could include GP surgeries, pharmacies or other community settings.
"This programme can make a major contribution to preventing early death and disability, and it is vital that it reaches as many people as possible."
