A QUARTER of people who have taken part in The BIG Bolton Health Check could develop heart disease in the next decade.

So far 12,000 people have been tested — and more than 3,000 of them have been classed as high risk.

Those who have been identified are now receiving treatment or have been advised to make lifestyle changes to drastically reduce their risk of developing heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks and stroke, a move which Bolton leading doctors claim will save lives.

Dr Stephen Liversedge, a leading Bolton GP who is spearheading The BIG Bolton Health Check, said: “I’m very pleased with the enthusiasm with which this has been approached by the GP practices and supported by the health trainer’s initiatives.

“I’m absolutely certain that those 3,000 patients who have had treatment or interventions already will have reduced their risk.

“This campaign will undoubtedly save lives.”

Health bosses hope to test 46,000 people aged 45 and over before March next year.

The BIG Bolton Health Check involves a blood pressure test, a cholesterol check and a few simple lifestyle questions.

Lesley Jones, public health specialist from Bolton Primary Care Trust, said: “We’re delighted with the progress being made with The BIG Bolton Health Check.

“After just a few months we have made great strides towards achieving our target to provide everyone over the age of 45 without existing heart disease or diabetes with a health check.

“All the GP practices in Bolton, health trainers and other people are working tremendously hard pulling out all the stops on this important campaign and we’re also delighted with the support we have received from The Bolton News and the local community.”

The BIG Bolton Health Check is carried out in GP surgeries and health centres.

Health trainers have also chosen a number of community locations to enable as many people as possible to have the check. These include supermarkets, barbers, pubs, betting shops, sports centres, mosques, churches and cafes.