About the screening

The screening is designed for anyone interested in staying healthy and alert, living longer or has reason to be concerned about their health. It takes approximately 2 hours, and is performed at the Manchester Institute of Health & Performance.

It consists of the following steps:
01. Pre-screening questionnaire
02. Blood analysis
03. Vascular imaging
04. Exertion test
05. In-depth consultation
06. Personalised action plan

01


Pre-screening questionnaire

Before your screening, we’ll ask you to complete an online questionnaire covering your current physical activity, nutrition, medical and family history, sleep and mental health. This enables us to provide the most relevant and helpful advice. It is also an opportunity for you to tell us about any specific concerns you might have.

Tomorrow’s pre-screening questionnaire enables us to provide the most relevant and helpful advice

02


Blood analysis

We perform a comprehensive blood analysis. Over 30 different tests are conducted on your blood sample, including a full blood count, cholesterol profile, urea and electrolytes, and glycated haemoglobin. We look for any underlying signs of cardiovascular disease, such as high cholesterol and diabetes.

A specially trained nurse will take a small sample of your blood using a needle and syringe. It will only take a couple of minutes.

03


Vascular Imaging

A vascular scientist will examine key blood vessels in your neck, arms, abdomen and legs using ultrasound. We check for the earliest signs of peripheral arterial disease, including any narrowing of your blood vessels, weakening of your arteries and blockages.

Peripheral arterial disease is a common disorder that occurs in the artery segments of the cardiovascular system. Irregular clots, formed by the build up of cholesterol or plaque, narrow the artery wall linings over time. This has major implications as it reduces blood flow to the heart and brain, and has the potential to kill by a heart attack or stroke.

Ultrasound technology is used to create live images of your blood vessels. Our vascular scientist can see how your blood moves around your body and measure any narrowing of your blood vessels. It is a safe, non-invasive technique that is also used to monitor pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations do not use ionizing radiation (as used in x-rays), so you are not exposed to radiation.

Tomorrow’s advanced ultrasound test allows us to see your key blood vessels – enabling us to check for potential problems

Our vascular scientist will look for the following conditions:

  • Aneurysm, including abdominal aortic aneurysm

  • Atherosclerosis

  • Stenosis

  • Claudication

  • Calcified vessels

  • Thrombosis

Vascular ultrasound is the gold standard when it comes to assessing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and varicose veins. This is something we can also look for if you have any concerns.

The vascular imaging takes approximately 25 minutes to perform.

04


Exertion Test

A CardioPulmonary Exercise Test (CPET)

CPET is a cutting-edge maximum exertion test that gives an all-encompassing view of how your heart and lungs are working. It includes an exercise ECG.

We use CPET in a number of ways:

  • To understand how your cardiovascular system is functioning

  • To uncover any early signs of cardiovascular disease

  • To measure your fitness level, which is a key predictor of future health

  • To detect any abnormalities of the heart or lungs

  • To calculate your cardiovascular age, which allows you to see the impact that following your personalised action plan could have on your health and quality of life

  • To benchmark your cardiovascular health against people like you

  • To provide an objective marker that can be used as a baseline to measure the impact of any medical or lifestyle changes and quantify the improvement these have made on your cardiovascular health

It is also an established way to quantify fitness in elite athletes and can predict long-term survival.

Tomorrow’s CPET – a maximum exertion test, carried out on an exercise bike

The CPET involves monitoring your heart and lungs while performing exercise. Your heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, breathing rate, the amount of oxygen you use and how much oxygen is in your blood will all be recorded.

To perform the test, you will use an exercise bike. To monitor your heart, sticky patches called electrodes will be put on your chest. An inflatable cuff on your upper arm will measure your blood pressure and a soft, comfortable facemask will monitor your lungs.

You will start by cycling at a steady pace with only light resistance. The bike's resistance will increase gradually every few minutes as you maintain the same pace. You’ll keep cycling until you are told to stop or until you are unable to carry on. Most people find their legs give out first.

Some people worry about “doing well”. While you will be exerted, most of the test is performed within your comfort range with only the final minute or so pushing your heart and lungs hard.

Measurements include:

  • Peak oxygen uptake (V02 max)

  • Heart rate

  • Pulmonary lung reserve

  • Anaerobic Threshold

  • O2 Pulse at Peak Exercise and Overall Waveform

  • ECG results

The CPET takes 45 minutes and the exercise part of the test is approximately 10 minutes.

05


In-depth consultation

One of our doctors will go through your results with you. We will also discuss a personalised, evidence-based action plan to improve your cardiovascular health and manage any risk factors, including specific advice on any medical treatments that are necessary.

Any further tests or treatment will be arranged quickly and conveniently thanks to our links with a large network of specialists.

This is your chance to ask any health-related queries you may have and quiz the expert for any additional advice or tips. 

Tomorrow’s results consultation gives you access to one of the UK’s leading cardiovascular specialists

Consultation time: 30 minutes

04


Personalised action plan

A few days after your appointment, we will email you a full written report including your personalised action plan. The report will contain our assessment of your cardiovascular health and the steps you need to take to improve and safeguard your current and long-term health. It will also include the results from your blood tests, vascular imaging and CPET.

Your personalised action plan will identify the steps you need to take to improve and safeguard your health.

Preparing for your screening

What to bring

  • Please bring running shoes and clothing suitable for exercise. There are changing rooms and secure lockers if you need to change.

  • You may want to freshen up after your exertion test. Shower facilities, towels and hair dryers are available, but you’ll need to bring your own shower gel and any other toiletries you might need.

  • Complimentary bottled water, tea and coffee will be available.

View our what to expect info guide

On the day of your screening

  • Don’t eat a large meal in the four hours before your appointment; however a light breakfast or lunch is fine.

  • Don’t consume alcohol for at least four hours before your appointment. Equally, being hungover is not recommended.

  • Don’t drink coffee, tea or any other drinks containing caffeine for at least two hours before your appointment

  • Don’t smoke for at least an hour before.

  • It’s best not to do any vigorous exercise the day before your appointment.

Safeguard your future health