HEART disease is not the only potentially fatal illness our The BIG Bolton Health Check campaign could help prevent.

Liver disease, cancer and arthritis can all be picked up thanks to the series of simple tests, according to health experts in Bolton.

Anyone who has the health check, and is found to be suffering from an increased risk of heart disease, or any other conditions, will then be given advice and support on what to do to improve their health.

Jan Hutchinson, director of public health for Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: "The advantages of doing these health check-ups on everyone means that we can identify potential health problems much sooner, meaning that people can get treatment earlier, increasing the likelihood that conditions can be managed better or even cured."

The BIG Bolton Health Check aims to test 46,000 people to determine if they are at a high risk of developing heart disease in the next decade. Experts predict as many as 10,000 people will fall into the high-risk category.

Once they have been identified there are a range of treatment options open to them, including making simple lifestyle changes or medication to control cholesterol or high blood pressure.

As well as identifying people at risk of cardiovascular disease, The BIG Bolton Health Check will also pick up people who could be at risk of developing certain cancers, such as liver or lung, or those with musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis.

Following the test, staff can also help support people who are drinking too much and are at risk of developing liver and gastric diseases.

It can also help reduce the risk of people having strokes or suffering from diabetes.

Anyone who is overweight will be given advice and tips on shedding the pounds and smokers will be given support in quitting.