ALMOST 60,000 of Bolton’s over 45-year-olds have had a health check which could save their lives.

In June, health bosses linked up with The Bolton News to launch The Big Bolton Health Check.

The ambitious target was to test everyone aged over 45 to identify those at risk of heart disease before March, 2009.

And the simple 10 minute assessment, which involves blood pressure and cholesterol checks plus lifestyle questions, has already identified 15,500 people with more than a 20 per cent chance of developing heart problems within the next decade.

Many of these were unaware they were at risk and are now on a drug programme and being given advice on healthy eating and exercise.

A spin off from the health check means that 500 people have also been diagnosed with diabetes and a further 500 with kidney disease.

Next week, The Big Bolton Health Check sessions will be held at the Royal Bolton Hospital for the organisation’s 3,500 staff.

Bolton NHS Primary Care Trust chief executive Tim Evans and hospital chief executive David Fillingham have just had their tests.

Mr Evans was delighted to learn that he is in good shape.

He said: “I am pleased to find out I am fine. It is reassuring to find out you are OK and don’t have to make any changes.”

Mr Fillingham already knew he was in an at-risk group because of his family history. He now has regular check-ups and has made changes to his diet and exercise to stay healthy.

Bolton is the first area in the country to carry out a preventative screening programme on such a large scale.

The outcome is being watched closely by other areas. Sixty- seven per cent of people aged over 45 have had the test.

While it has created an increased workloads for GPs and clinics, health bosses are confident that in the long term the scheme will mean less work for the acute health services and a better quality of life for the population.

Anyone over 45 is entitled to a free health check by contacting their GP’s surgery.