article_snippet: While those behind the new test argue the new test is designed to arm people with the knowledge people need to make changes to improve people lifestyles, critics have questioned how effective it will be.
article_snippet: GPs will be encouraged to tell patients about the new test, to help empower patients to live healthier lives.
article_snippet: But one expert warned the new test may scare people into taking medication, including statins, to lower people cholesterol.
article_snippet: In addition, it estimates the risk of a person suffering a heart attack or stroke in the next decade.
article_snippet: Simon Gillespie, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation, said: 'Knowing your risk of developing heart and circulatory disease is crucial to taking control of your health.
article_snippet: Armed with this knowledge you can start to make lifestyle changes to help protect yourself against heart attacks and strokes.'
article_snippet: But other experts have urged caution, warning it could push more people to take statins and other medication, putting people at risk of side-effects.
article_snippet: As well as estimating heart age and a person's risk of heart attack and stroke, the free NHS Health Check that accompanies it, gives people an opportunity to take action to improve people lifestyle.
article_snippet: It offers advice about how to develop serious but preventable conditions including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and some types of dementia.
highlights_snippet: Aims to arm people with the knowledge to live healthier lifestyles .
  
highlights_snippet: But critics warn Aims to arm people with the knowledge to live healthier lifestyles .
   
highlights_snippet: could push more to take medication to lower critics cholesterol, including statins, and suffer unnecessary side effects .