Author: Dr J Hugh Coyne MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

  • Blood Pressure Is the Most Important Number You’re Ignoring

    Blood Pressure Is the Most Important Number You’re Ignoring

    When people talk about longevity, they usually mention things like cold plunges, mushroom powders, or the latest supplement that “everyone in Silicon Valley is taking.” But if you ask most doctors,  the kind who deal with real patients, not just podcasts, the top of the list is something far less glamorous, blood pressure.

    Blood Pressure: The Silent Killer That’s Surprisingly Common

    High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often called the silent killer. And for good reason. It doesn’t usually cause symptoms. There’s no rash, no pain, no warning light. But over time, it quietly raises your risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and dementia.

    When it comes to blood pressure, there’s a simple rule worth remembering. It’s known as the “Rule of Halves”:

    • About half of all adults have high blood pressure.
    • Half of those are undiagnosed.
    • Half of those who are diagnosed aren’t treated.
    • And half of those treated aren’t treated properly.

    That’s a lot of people wandering around thinking they’re in good shape because they “feel fine.”

    But I Had My Blood Pressure Checked at My GP Surgery…

    Let’s talk about how blood pressure is usually measured. You sit in a clinic. You’ve walked fast to get there or worried about parking wardens, probably had a coffee beforehand. Someone wraps a cuff around your arm and tells you to relax.

    That one-off reading might be useful, but it’s also a bit like checking the weather by glancing out the window for five seconds. You’re not getting the full picture.

    Enter the Hilo Band

    The Hilo Band is a wearable device that takes a different approach. It uses photoplethysmography (PPG),  a light-based sensor on your wrist, to monitor the shape and flow of your pulse wave. It’s not just counting your pulse. It’s analysing how your blood pressure behaves throughout the day and night using Pulse Wave Analysis (PWA).


    Hilo gives you multiple readings over 24 hours, including while you sleep. And the band only records when you’re still, which improves accuracy. It’s like having a calm, unobtrusive nurse quietly checking your pressure in the background. And yes, it looks good too. Like a minimalist fitness tracker had a child with a hipster bracelet.

    Real Life Data, Not Waiting Room Guesswork

    This continuous monitoring means you get a clearer, more accurate view of your blood pressure patterns. As opposed to a single, possibly elevated reading in a GP’s office. It can help catch masked hypertension (normal readings in clinic but high at home) or white coat syndrome (high in clinic, normal elsewhere).

    That matters because earlier detection means earlier action, which can include everything from lifestyle tweaks to proper medication, guided by real-world data rather than guesswork.

    Blood Pressure and Longevity: The Real Biohack

    If you’re serious about healthspan (although I hate that word as it sounds like management consultant jargon!), not just how long you live, but how well, then keeping your blood pressure in check is arguably more effective than most so-called biohacks.

    You don’t need exotic pills or 18-step routines. You need good sleep, a Mediterranean-ish diet, regular movement… and control of your blood pressure.

    If you’re going to invest in a wearable, make it one that actually improves your health, not just a random, clinically meaningless “health score.”

    If you’re ready to try it, check them out here: Hilo Band

    Blood pressure control isn’t new or flashy. But it works. And with a tool like the Hilo Band, it’s easier than ever to track, understand and act on. Because knowing your numbers, in your real life, not just under fluorescent clinic lights, is one of the smartest longevity moves you can make. 

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Cardiovascular Health Guides
  • Can Your Diet Protect You From Dementia?

    Can Your Diet Protect You From Dementia?

    Can Diet Reduce Dementia Risk?

    We often talk about food as fuel for the body. But what if it’s also medicine for the brain? This may particularly be the base if you have some metabolic dysfunction.

    A new study from the UK Biobank, published in 2024, suggests that what you eat could make a meaningful difference to your dementia risk, especially if you have type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or a history of stroke. The researchers tracked over 84,000 people aged 60 and up for more than a decade. They examined their diet, health conditions, and in some cases, their brain scans.

    The Inflammation Connection

    The link between inflammation and disease certainly isn’t new. We know that chronic low-grade inflammation plays a role in heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and even dementia. The term “inflammaging” has been coined to describe this slow-burning, systemic irritation that seems to drive many age-related conditions.

    The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII) ranks your diet based on how likely your diet is to promote inflammation. Pro-inflammatory diets are heavy in processed meat, refined carbs, processed foods and added sugars. Anti-inflammatory diets tend to be rich in vegetables, fruit, whole grains, fish, legumes and olive oil. Essentially, a Mediterranean-ish pattern wins again.

    The Main Question

    The researchers wanted to know whether an anti-inflammatory diet reduces dementia risk. This was especially pertinent for people already at higher risk due to cardiometabolic disease (CMD). CMD in this study included type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or stroke. This is because people with CMD are at higher risk of dementia. 

    In answer, the anti-inflammatory diet does reduce dementia risk, and it’s not a trivial difference.

    Compared to people without CMD who ate an anti-inflammatory diet (the “healthiest” group), those with CMD and a proinflammatory diet were more than twice as likely to develop dementia. But those with CMD who ate an anti-inflammatory diet had a 31% lower risk of dementia than their proinflammatory peers.

    They also developed dementia two years later, on average.

    Brains on Scan

    Around 9,000 people in the study had brain MRI scans. This allowed researchers to look for changes associated with cognitive decline.

    People with CMD and a proinflammatory diet had smaller grey matter volume (the brain cells you want to keep) and more white matter hyperintensities (a marker of small vessel disease and vascular injury). Those with CMD and an anti-inflammatory diet had significantly better brain structure. This was reflected by more grey matter and less white matter damage. Not perfect, but certainly better.

    A Few Caveats

    Like any good study, this one has its limitations. Diet was assessed using 24-hour food recall, which isn’t perfect. People might forget what they ate, or fudge it slightly to sound healthier. Also, the DII is based on nutrients rather than food types. So, it can’t distinguish between plant-based and animal-based proteins, or account for cooking methods that might influence the inflammatory load of a meal.

    Still, participants with higher DII scores had higher levels of inflammatory markers in their blood. This lends credence to the idea that the DII is capturing something meaningful.

    The Takeaway – avoid the takeaway

    If you’ve already got diabetes, heart disease or a history of stroke, your brain may be more vulnerable. But your diet might offer a way to fight back.

    Choosing anti-inflammatory foods won’t reverse existing brain damage, but it might slow the progression of cognitive decline. At the very least, it’s a low-risk strategy. It also benefits your cardiovascular health, blood pressure, gut, and energy levels. 

    If your goal is to keep your brain sharp, go for plenty of colour on the plate. A good example might be salmon and lentils over sausage rolls and white bread. It’s not about perfection. It’s more about shifting the odds in your favour.

    And in this case, the odds are worth shifting.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Longevity & Healthspan Guides
  • Why ApoB Matters For Your Heart Health

    Why ApoB Matters For Your Heart Health

    If you care about your heart, then you’ve probably been told to keep an eye on your cholesterol. For decades, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) has been the poster child for cardiovascular risk. The higher your LDL-C, the higher your risk of heart attack and stroke. So we measure it, we target it, and we try to lower it.

    However, it is little known that LDL-C is just a proxy. What actually damages arteries is not the cholesterol floating around your blood, but the particles that carry it. Each of those particles has, on it’s surface, a protein called apolipoprotein B (apoB). The more apoB particles you have, the more chances they have to burrow into your artery walls and trigger atherosclerosis.

    ApoB is, in effect, a headcount of all the atherogenic particles in your blood. For years, evidence has been mounting that it is a better marker of risk than LDL-C. In 2019, European guidelines even stated that apoB was more accurate, easier to measure, and more precise. And yet LDL-C still reigns supreme in clinical practice.

    Why isn’t ApoB used more in clinical practice?

    The reason Apob is not used more frequently in current clinical practice is partly inertia. It is also partly habit. And it is partly the argument that LDL-C and apoB are so highly correlated, it makes no practical difference. If you lower one, you lower the other. So many cardiologists and primary care doctors would argue, why bother changing the guidelines?

    A new UK Biobank study has put that argument to bed.

    What this new study found about ApoB

    Researchers followed nearly 300,000 healthy adults for 11 years. They looked at LDL-C, non-HDL cholesterol, triglycerides and apoB, and tracked how each one related to future heart attacks and strokes.

    Yes, LDL-C and apoB were highly correlated. But the correlation was not perfect. At any given LDL-C level, individual apoB levels varied widely. Two people could have the same LDL-C, but one might have far more apoB particles quietly driving up their cardiovascular risk.

    Across every LDL-C or non-HDL-C level, people with higher apoB levels had significantly more cardiovascular events. ApoB gave extra risk information that LDL-C or non-HDL-C simply missed.

    When the researchers ran adjusted statistical models, apoB consistently came out on top as the stronger predictor of risk. LDL-C added no meaningful information once apoB was taken into account.

    Triglycerides too? Same story. ApoB still won.

    Some guidelines only recommend testing apoB if your triglycerides are high. The idea is that apoB might only be useful in those cases, when cholesterol particles are small and harder to measure accurately using standard tests. But this study found no support for that.

    In fact, apoB was consistently useful regardless of triglyceride levels. Even when triglycerides were taken into account, apoB still gave meaningful extra information about risk. The reverse wasn’t true. Once you knew someone’s apoB, their triglyceride level didn’t add much.

    This suggests apoB is giving us more useful insight, across the board, not just in people with high triglycerides.

    Because in clinical practice, we are treating individual patients, not population averages. Knowing your apoB level helps tailor your treatment far more accurately. Without it, there is too much guesswork. Two patients with the same LDL-C could have very different numbers of atherogenic particles, and very different risk.

    We now have safe and powerful therapies, from statins to PCSK9 inhibitors. But they are costly and need to be used wisely. ApoB is the best tool we have to target those therapies to the right people.

    Why has ApoB not been widely adopted yet?

    One argument that is frequently given is cost. But measuring apoB is inexpensive. In the US, it would raise lipid testing costs by about 1 percent. And in reality, once apoB is used, there is little need to keep measuring LDL-C or non-HDL-C, so the total cost of care need not rise.

    Another barrier is familiarity. Doctors and labs are used to ordering LDL-C. Changing habits takes time. But with evidence like this, the argument for change is becoming hard to ignore.

    ApoB is the best available measure of atherosclerotic risk. LDL-C and non-HDL-C are imperfect stand-ins. If you want the most accurate picture of your cardiovascular risk, you should know your apoB.

    If you are already on treatment, it is the best way to know if your therapy is working. If you are not yet on treatment but considering it, it can help you and your doctor make a better-informed decision.

    If guidelines and clinical practice catch up to the evidence, we will prevent more heart attacks and strokes. And that, surely, is the whole point.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Cardiovascular Health Guides
  • Longevity Unlocked: 3 Proven Ways to Live Longer and Better

    Longevity Unlocked: 3 Proven Ways to Live Longer and Better

    Want to Live Longer and Better?Here’s What Actually Works for Longevity

    There’s no shortage of online chatter about longevity and how to live longer. Cold plunges, supplements, wearables, red light therapy. The longevity list is almost endless. It continues to grow exponentially. But the most powerful things you can do to extend your life and stay sharp into old age are the same things we’ve known about for decades. And the evidence for them continues to grow.

    A 2017 study from the US followed nearly 15,000 people over 12 years to answer one simple question. What’s the impact of your everyday behaviour, such as smoking, weight, and alcohol intake, on how long you live and how many of those years you’ll spend free of disability? The results are clear. Your habits in midlife don’t merely shape how long you live. They shape how well you live.

    The Longevity Lowdown

    The people who lived the longest and had the healthiest later years shared three traits. They had never smoked. They weren’t obese. And they drank alcohol in moderation. In fact, men and women with all three low-risk behaviours lived, on average, seven years longer than the rest of the population. Yet it’s not just about adding years. It’s about adding good years. Most of that extra time was spent without disability, walking, dressing, eating and living independently.

    On the flip side, people who had smoked, were obese, and drank heavily lived shorter lives. They also spent more of those years with disability. Perhaps, no surprises there, but it’s a stark reminder. Your body keeps the score.

    Obesity: The Heavy Hitter

    Obesity was the strongest predictor of early disability. Obese men lost three good years. Obese women lost six. That’s six more years struggling with everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, walking down the street, or dressing. While smoking shortened life more overall, obesity hit quality of life harder.

    The reality is that more than a quarter of the people in this longevity study were obese. And while smoking rates have dropped, obesity is rising. That trend could wipe out a lot of the gains we’ve made in public health. This is why anti-obesity medications are such an exciting overall health development. 

    It is also worth noting that lean beef tends to be higher in cholesterol-lowering fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) than cholesterol-raising saturated fats. Many of the included trials also tried to match saturated fat across diets. This makes it unlikely that saturated fat was a major driver.

    Alcohol: Less is More

    Moderate drinkers, fewer than 14 drinks per week for men, fewer than 7 for women, did better than both teetotallers and heavy drinkers. This is possibly because moderate drinkers tend to have other positive lifestyle traits. Or perhaps some benefit comes from social connection. But the takeaway is simple. Drinking a little is fine. Drinking too much, or hardly at all, can carry risks.

    Never Smoked? Great. Quit Early? Still Worth It

    One of the most encouraging findings was about ex-smokers. People who had quit more than a decade ago and ticked the other healthy boxes (not obese, moderate drinkers) still gained nearly as much life as those who had never smoked at all. So if you’ve smoked in the past, all is not lost. You can still turn things around.

    So What Does This Mean for the UK?

    While this was a US longevity study, the implications are just as relevant here. The NHS is under strain. We have an ageing population. And too many people are spending their final years in poor health. But here’s the good news. These aren’t mysterious or unattainable changes. These are behaviours within our control.

    The best-case scenario is that you live longer than average. You stay mobile, independent, and sharp into your 80s and beyond. And you spend fewer years dealing with the burden of disease. That’s good for you. It’s good for your family. And it’s good for the healthcare system.

    Forget the biohacking gimmicks. The single best investment you can make for your longevity is to build a life where you eat well, move often, don’t smoke, and keep alcohol in check. These behaviours don’t just prevent illness. They preserve function. They keep you active, independent, and engaged with life for longer.

    The best time to make a change is in your 30s or 40s. The second-best time is today.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Longevity & Healthspan Guides
  • Can You Still Eat Beef and Be Heart Healthy?

    Can You Still Eat Beef and Be Heart Healthy?

    Is beef heart healthy? Red meat has had a rough ride in recent decades. It’s been linked to everything from heart disease to early death, with no shortage of headlines declaring it public enemy number one. But a recent meta-analysis has taken a more measured look at one particular type of red meat: lean, unprocessed beef.

    The study examined 20 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving over 1,000 adults. Researchers focused on key cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, including blood lipids like LDL and HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. Essentially, the study found that beef is not quite the villain it’s made out to be.

    What the Study Looked At

    This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. A trial design that is about as robust as nutritional evidence gets. Researchers pooled data from high-quality trials that compared diets with varying amounts of lean beef. The aim was to isolate beef’s impact on heart health. The study aimed to avoid the usual confusion that comes from lumping it together with other red meats or with heavily processed sausages and burgers.

    Most participants were either healthy or had common metabolic issues such as high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes. The average beef intake in the high-beef groups was around 160 grams per day, roughly two servings. Which, in my opinion, is quite a lot of beef. Comparators were diets with little or no beef.

    The Verdict on Cholesterol and Blood Pressure

    The key takeaway was that eating lean, unprocessed beef had no meaningful impact on most heart health markers.

    Total cholesterol, HDL and triglycerides stayed broadly the same, regardless of how much beef people ate. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressure also remained broadly unchanged. There was a very small increase in LDL cholesterol, around 2.7 mg/dL or 0.07mmol/L. This might sound concerning. However, this is a trivial increase. For context, that’s the kind of variation you might get from eating a slightly different breakfast.

    Even this tiny effect on LDL was mostly driven by one influential study. When that study was removed in a sensitivity analysis, the difference disappeared.

    It is also worth noting that lean beef tends to be higher in cholesterol-lowering fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated) than cholesterol-raising saturated fats. Many of the included trials also tried to match saturated fat across diets. This makes it unlikely that saturated fat was a major driver.

    So, Is Beef Heart Healthy?

    The answer, based on this analysis, is that it is certainly not harmful. At least not in the form studied here. Eating lean, unprocessed beef in moderate amounts does not appear to harm cholesterol levels or blood pressure. In fact, it can be a useful source of high-quality protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. These are nutrients that many people are deficient in.

    Of course, this does not mean you should eat steak every day and skip the vegetables. A balanced diet is still key, and occasionally swapping beef for fish or plant-based proteins is still a good idea. But the idea that any amount of beef will clog your arteries and cut your life short is not supported by this data.

    But What About the Funding?

    Yes, the study was funded by the Beef Checkoff, an industry body. That should always raise eyebrows. However, the researchers clearly disclosed this. The study used rigorous methods and followed gold-standard protocols like PRISMA. In fact, over 70 per cent of the industry-funded trials included were rated as low risk of bias. That was better than some of the non-industry-funded ones.

    This does not mean we take the results at face value without scrutiny. However, we should be cautious about dismissing them just because of who paid for the research. The rigour was there.

    Where This Leaves Us

    Nutritional science is messy, and red meat is a prime example. Much of the scare comes from observational studies that cannot separate diet from lifestyle. People who eat lots of red meat often do fewer healthy things overall. They tend to exercise less, smoke more, and eat fewer vegetables. That makes it tricky to tease out cause and effect.

    What this meta-analysis gives us is a cleaner look at the question. And the answer, at least for lean, unprocessed beef, appears to be that there is no major impact on lipids or blood pressure. It is important to mention that this study did not look at hard outcomes. It did not, for example, tell us whether people who ate more lean beef were more likely to die or a heart attack or stroke. It merely points out that people who ate lean beef had no change in the risk factors for heart disease and stroke. 

    If you enjoy beef, there is no need to swear it off entirely. Choose lean cuts, don’t char it to oblivion, and pair it with plenty of plant-based foods. A steak night now and then, as part of an overall healthy lifestyle, is unlikely to be the thing that tips the balance.

    Nutrition is full of strong opinions. But evidence beats ideology. This latest study adds a little sanity back into the red meat debate. It is not a green light to live on burgers, but it is a reminder that context, portion size, and overall diet quality matter far more than demonising single foods.

    And if someone tries to guilt you over your Sunday roast, you now at least have a well-referenced comeback.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Cardiovascular Health Guides
  • High Blood Pressure: The Longer You Have It, The Worse It Gets

    High Blood Pressure: The Longer You Have It, The Worse It Gets

    Walk into any supermarket and try to avoid ultra-processed foods. It’s nearly impossible. Ready meals, packaged snacks, ‘healthy’ protein bars, and supermarket bread. They all fall into this category. Even some foods marketed as nutritious are ultra-processed, full of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that barely resemble anything found in nature.

    We’ve long suspected they’re bad for us. But a massive new study has put the nail in the coffin. The more ultra-processed food you eat, the worse your health outcomes. Heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, and even early death; the risks go up across the board.

    High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called the “silent killer.” But let’s be honest, it’s not that silent. Your doctor has probably mentioned it. Maybe you’ve been told to “keep an eye on it” or “try to reduce your salt intake.” The problem is that by the time hypertension gets serious, it’s been quietly causing damage for years.

    A major new study has confirmed what many of us suspected. The longer you have hypertension, the worse the outcomes. The study looked at over 27,000 people and found that the duration of high blood pressure, not just the level, plays a crucial role in stroke risk and how hard it becomes to control.

    So, if you’ve been thinking, “I’ll deal with it later,” this one’s for you.

    The Key Findings: More Time, More Risk

    The study found three big problems with having high blood pressure for longer:

    1. Your stroke risk goes up.
      • People with high blood pressure for less than 5 years had a 17% higher risk of stroke.
      • Between 6-20 years, the risk jumps to 48% higher.
      • Over 21 years and the risk skyrockets to 86% higher.
    2. The takeaway is that high blood pressure isn’t just about the number on a screen. The longer your body has been under pressure (literally), the more likely you are to suffer a stroke.
    3. It gets harder to control.
      • The longer you’ve had hypertension, the more medication you need to keep it in check.
      • People with high blood pressure for less than 5 years were on 1.7 different meds.
      • Those with 6-20 years were on 2.0 meds.
      • Those with 21+ years? They needed an average of 2.3 different medications just to manage their numbers.
    4. Translation: If you develop hypertension early and don’t take action, it’s a one-way street to more pills and more complications.
    5. Even with meds, your blood pressure stays higher.
      • Longer hypertension = higher blood pressure, even with treatment.
      • This means more strain on your heart, arteries, brain, and kidneys.

    What You Can Do Right Now

    You don’t need to wait for a GP to tell you your blood pressure is creeping up. Here’s what you can do today:

    1. Get it checked.
    2. Move your body.
    3. Eat real food.
      • Ditch ultra-processed foods (see our last blog).
      • More potassium-rich foods like leafy greens, bananas, and nuts.
      • Cut back on salt, but don’t obsess.
    4. Strength train.
    5. Sleep properly.
    6. Sort out stress.

    Final Thought: Prevention > Treatment

    High blood pressure isn’t something that “just happens” when you get older. It’s the result of decades of lifestyle and genetic factors adding up.

    The best time to take action is before blood pressure rises. The second best time is now. 

    The longer you wait, the harder it gets to manage. But the good news? Even small changes can make a huge difference.

    What Should You Do?

    You don’t need to live like a monk. But cutting back on UPFs is one of the best things you can do for your health. Here’s how:

    • Stick to real food: If it had a face, grew from the ground, or needed little intervention before reaching your plate, it’s a good choice.
    • Shop the perimeter of the supermarket: That’s where you’ll find meat, fish, eggs, fruit, veg, and dairy.
    • Check the ingredients list: If it reads like a chemistry experiment, think twice.
    • Cook more at home: It doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple meals with whole ingredients will always beat processed alternatives.
    • Follow the 80/20 rule: You don’t have to eliminate UPFs completely, but they should be an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Cardiovascular Health Guides
  • The Future of Prostate Cancer Screening: How to Avoid an Unnecessary Biopsy

    The Future of Prostate Cancer Screening: How to Avoid an Unnecessary Biopsy

    Introduction: A Smarter Approach to Prostate Cancer Screening

    Prostate cancer screening has long relied on the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This is a simple blood test used by doctors worldwide, including at our private GP surgery in Fulham. However, while PSA testing is widely available, it has its flaws. It can often lead to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety.

    Thankfully, advanced screening methods such as the Stockholm3 test (STHLM3) are revolutionising prostate cancer detection. the Stockholm3 might sound like a 90s Indie band. However, it offers higher accuracy and fewer unnecessary procedures in patients with elevated PSA.

    If you’re considering prostate cancer screening in London, here’s what you need to know about the latest innovations.

    The PSA Test: A Good but Imperfect Tool

    The PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen levels in the blood, helping detect potential prostate issues. However, elevated PSA levels don’t necessarily indicate cancer. Benign prostate enlargement, infections, or inflammation can also cause an increase.

    This low specificity often leads to unnecessary MRI scans and biopsies, causing undue stress for patients. At our Fulham GP clinic, we focus on providing cutting-edge screening options that minimise unnecessary interventions.

    Stockholm3 Test: A Game-Changer in Prostate Cancer Screening

    The Stockholm3 test (STHLM3) is an innovative approach that combines:
    ✅ Biomarkers (blood-based indicators of prostate health)
    ✅ Genetic testing (to assess hereditary cancer risks)
    ✅ Clinical data (age, family history, and other risk factors)

    How Does Stockholm3 Improve Prostate Cancer Diagnosis?

    A major study found that Stockholm3 reduced the need for prostate biopsies by 32% while maintaining high accuracy in detecting aggressive cancers.

    The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has also acknowledged Stockholm3’s potential to improve prostate cancer screening, helping reduce unnecessary MRI scans and biopsies.

    Reflex Testing: Enhancing PSA Results with Greater Accuracy

    At our Fulham private GP clinic, we understand the importance of precision in diagnostics. The Stockholm3 test acts as a reflex test, meaning:

    • If PSA levels are elevated, Stockholm3 analyzes additional risk factors to determine whether a biopsy is truly needed.
    • This prevents unnecessary biopsies while still identifying high-risk patients.

    By integrating Stockholm3 testing into our private GP services in London, we offer a more tailored, patient-friendly approach to prostate cancer screening.

    Stockholm3’s Global Success: A Reliable Test for All Ethnicities

    One concern with many prostate cancer screening tests is their effectiveness across different ethnic groups. The SEPTA trial, conducted in North America, confirmed that Stockholm3 is highly accurate across diverse populations, showing:

    • Better specificity (fewer false positives)
    • Non-inferior sensitivity (still detects all significant cancers)

    This is a crucial breakthrough, as ethnicity is a known risk factor for prostate cancer. At our private GP clinic in London, we strive to provide the best screening options for all patients.

    The Future of Prostate Cancer Screening in London

    Advancements like Stockholm3 represent a major step forward in prostate cancer detection. As we move toward a more personalised, risk-based approach, our clinic is committed to offering the most advanced screening technologies available.

    If you’re considering prostate cancer screening in Fulham, our expert private GPs provide:
    ✅ Comprehensive prostate health assessments
    ✅ Advanced genetic testing
    ✅ Cutting-edge screening methods

    Book a Prostate Cancer Screening with a Private GP in Fulham

    Early detection saves lives, but screening should be accurate and stress-free. At our London private GP surgery, we offer advanced prostate cancer screening that helps you avoid unnecessary biopsies while ensuring your health remains a top priority.

    🔹 Contact us today to book a prostate health consultation at our Fulham GP clinic.

    DR LUCY HOOPER
    MB BS BSc MRCGP MA DRCOG DCH

    Lucy is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical. She graduated with honours from Imperial College London, trained at St Mary’s Hospital, and holds a Master’s in Medical Ethics and Law. Her clinical interests span women’s health, preventive medicine, and genomics, with a particular focus on using advanced biomarkers to build a more complete picture of long-term health.

    British Society for Genetic Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in BBC, The Guardian, Women’s Health, The Times and Tatler

    Book a GP Consultation

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Men’s Health Guides

  • Ultra-Processed Foods: Are They Really That Bad for You

    Walk into any supermarket and try to avoid ultra-processed foods. It’s nearly impossible. Ready meals, packaged snacks, ‘healthy’ protein bars, and supermarket bread. They all fall into this category. Even some foods marketed as nutritious are ultra-processed, full of additives, preservatives, and ingredients that barely resemble anything found in nature.

    We’ve long suspected they’re bad for us. But a massive new study has put the nail in the coffin. The more ultra-processed food you eat, the worse your health outcomes. Heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, depression, and even early death; the risks go up across the board.

    What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

    Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are not just ‘junk food.’ They’re industrially formulated products packed with refined ingredients, chemical additives, and preservatives. The NOVA classification system groups food into four categories, with UPFs being the worst offenders. Think:

    • Pre-packaged meals
    • Fizzy drinks
    • Instant noodles
    • Mass-produced supermarket bread
    • Flavoured yoghurts with a list of ingredients longer than your arm
    • Protein bars masquerading as healthy options
    • Most breakfast cereals

    Essentially, ultra-processed food contains things you wouldn’t find in a normal kitchen: emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colourings, and stabilisers.

    What Does the Science Say?

    A new study reviewing data from nearly 10 million people has confirmed what we’ve suspected for a while: the more ultra-processed food you eat, the worse your health outcomes. Some of the key findings:

    • All-cause mortality: UPFs are linked to a higher risk of dying earlier.
    • Cardiovascular disease: Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, and related deaths.
    • Type 2 diabetes: Strong evidence that UPFs contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
    • Obesity and abdominal fat: They make you gain weight and store fat in all the wrong places.
    • Mental health issues: Higher rates of anxiety, depression, and even poor sleep patterns.

    These effects aren’t just from eating ‘bad’ foods like crisps and fizzy drinks. Even some foods we’ve been led to believe are healthy (high-protein snacks, low-fat yoghurts, certain plant-based alternatives) are ultra-processed and have similar effects.

    Why Are They So Bad?

    Ultra-processed foods are uniquely harmful for several reasons:

    1. Nutrient-Poor, Calorie-Dense
      They’re high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats, while lacking fibre, protein, and micronutrients. This leads to overconsumption and nutrient deficiencies.
    2. Disrupting the Gut Microbiome
      Additives, emulsifiers, and artificial sweeteners disturb gut bacteria, leading to inflammation, digestive issues, and even poor mental health.
    3. Inflammation and Metabolic Chaos
      Many of the chemical byproducts from food processing are pro-inflammatory, meaning they contribute to chronic diseases, from heart disease to autoimmune conditions.
    4. Engineered for Overconsumption
      These foods are designed to be hyper-palatable, triggering dopamine hits and encouraging overeating. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to eat an entire pack of biscuits but almost impossible to overeat steak and veg? That’s not an accident.

    Exposure to Harmful Chemicals
    The packaging itself can be a problem. It can leach chemicals like bisphenols and microplastics into food, which then enter our bodies.

    What Should You Do?

    You don’t need to live like a monk. But cutting back on UPFs is one of the best things you can do for your health. Here’s how:

    • Stick to real food: If it had a face, grew from the ground, or needed little intervention before reaching your plate, it’s a good choice.
    • Shop the perimeter of the supermarket: That’s where you’ll find meat, fish, eggs, fruit, veg, and dairy.
    • Check the ingredients list: If it reads like a chemistry experiment, think twice.
    • Cook more at home: It doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple meals with whole ingredients will always beat processed alternatives.
    • Follow the 80/20 rule: You don’t have to eliminate UPFs completely, but they should be an occasional treat rather than a daily staple.

    Final Thought

    You don’t need to listen to three-hour longevity podcasts to figure out what to eat. The healthiest diet is the simplest. Eat mostly real food, cook when you can, and don’t get sucked into the marketing hype.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Nutrition & Lifestyle Guides
  • Insights into Prostate Cancer Screening

    Insights into Prostate Cancer Screening

    The Subtle Art of Dodging a Biopsy Needle: Insights into Prostate Cancer Screening

    Imagine for a moment, a routine test that’s as easy as a light morning jog but as nerve-wracking as a Six Nations Grand Slam decider. That’s the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. For many, it’s a simple, non-invasive blood test. Yet, it’s shadowed by the anxiety of what might follow. It’s cheap, it’s easy, but with its low specificity, the real cost might be unnecessary worry and invasive follow-ups.

    The Science Behind PSA and its Limitations 

    PSA testing is a frontline defender in the battle against prostate cancer. Yet, its role has sparked as much debate as it has admiration. Why? Because elevated PSA levels don’t exclusively point to cancer. From benign prostate enlargement to prostate inflammation, several non-cancerous conditions can set that needle twitching. This leads to a cascade of often unnecessary biopsies. The result is overdiagnosed patients living with the label of a cancer that would have remained harmless.

    Innovations in Prostate Cancer Screening: The Stockholm3 Study 

    Enter the Stockholm3 (STHLM3) test, a sophisticated algorithm developed by Grönberg et al. The Stockhol3 sounds like the name of an Indie band. However, it could be likened to a finely tuned diagnostic orchestra. The exact opposite of the chaos you might encounter at your child’s assembly. This orchestra, however, is playing a symphony of biomarkers, genetic markers, and clinical data. It is designed to harmonise the detection of significant cancers while reducing the cacophony of unnecessary biopsies. The STHLM3 study showed a reduction in prostate biopsies by 32% compared to PSA testing alone, without missing a beat on detecting high-grade cancers.

    Diving Deeper: The Reflex Test and its Importance 

    The refinement doesn’t stop there. The STHLM3 serves as a reflex test in prostate cancer screening. As such it steps in when PSA levels rise to discern whether that rise truly suggests cancer. This selective approach ensures that only men at higher risk face the biopsy needle. This is a smarter, strategy that not only spares unnecessary pain but also cuts through the cloud of anxiety that hovers over many after a PSA test. The National Institute of Clinical Excellence carried out an innovation briefing on the Stockholm3. The briefing noted “that the technology has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy leading to a reduction in unnecessary MRI and biopsies.” Prostate Cancer Research has asked that such tests become more widespread. 

    Global Validation and Ethnic Diversity 

    The STHLM3’s performed well in Sweden. However,  the question remained: How well does it perform on the world stage? The SEPTA trial aimed to answer just that, testing Stockholm3 across a variety of ethnic groups in North America. Sensitivity in medical testing refers to the ability of a test to correctly identify those with the disease (the true positive rate). In contrast, specificity measures a test’s ability to correctly identify those without the disease ( the true negative rate). The trial demonstrated non-inferior sensitivity and a significant boost in specificity. This suggests that Stockholm3 could reduce unnecessary biopsies across ethnically diverse populations without missing those cancers that truly threaten well-being. This is, of course, incredibly useful for us given that we are based in London with it’s immense ethnic diversity. 

    Looking Forward: The Impact of Stockholm3 on Prostate Cancer Screening 

    New technologies in medicine are being rapidly developed. We are on the cusp of a new era in medical diagnostics. The Stockholm3 model presents a beacon of hope. It promises a future where the fear of overdiagnosis is significantly diminished. It also offers a journey from prostate cancer screening to diagnosis that respects both the mental and physical sanctity of patients. It’s also a testament to how far we’ve come in understanding and managing prostate cancer. 

    Conclusion 

    In an era where medical technology leaps forward by bounds, the evolution of prostate cancer screening from PSA to Stockholm3 is not just about scientific achievement. It’s about managing the delicate balance between vigilance and quality of life. In medicine, we don’t always get that right. For those facing the spectre of prostate cancer, it offers a new narrative, one where the screening process is as thoughtful and refined as the care they deserve.

    Contact us at contact@coynemedical.com to book your Stockholm3 test.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Men’s Health Guides
  • The Flu Vaccine: Protecting You and Your Family’s Health

    The Flu Vaccine: Protecting You and Your Family’s Health

    As Autumn sets in and the flu season approaches, it is important to consider vaccination and how it can protect us from this contagious, and sometimes severe, virus. The flu vaccine is widely available and recommended by both local and international health organisations. However, there is often reluctance to get the vaccine as misconceptions still exist about its efficacy and necessity. This article will discuss the benefits of the vaccine, how effective it is and how it acts as a protective measure for us and our families.

    What is flu?

    Flu is a respiratory virus spread by droplets created from sneezing or coughing. The infection causes a number of symptoms, including fever, body aches, cough, sore throat and fatigue. It sometimes can be more serious and result severe breathing difficulty, chest infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions.

    Understanding the flu vaccine

    The Flu vaccine is developed annually, based on research and recommendations from the World Health Organisation, who continuously monitor flu strains across the world. Each year they advise on the three or four key flu strains that are predicted to be the most common strains in the upcoming season. On receiving the vaccine, the body’s immune system is stimulated to develop antibodies, which then provide immune protection when the body is later exposed to those viruses. This reduces the likelihood of infection and can also reduce the severity of a subsequent flu infection, as well as the risk of complications.   

    Vaccine Effectiveness

    The efficacy of the flu vaccine is influenced by a number of factors, including age, other health conditions and how closely matched the flu strains in circulation and the vaccine are. Studies have shown that the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of flu by 40-60% when the vaccine closely matches the circulating flu viruses. 

    New evidence from studies of the UK’s flu data over our last Winter (2023-2024), has revealed that the flu vaccination reduced hospitalisations in over 65 year olds by 30% and reduced hospitalisations in children aged 2 to 17 by 74%.

    Types of Flu Vaccines

    There are a number of different types of flu vaccines, which are each designed for different age groups and health needs:

    • Quadrivalent injected vaccines – protect against four flu strains – this is the vaccine we have at Coyne Medical and protects against the four key strains recommended for 2024/25 by the World Health Organisation.
    • High dose quadrivalent injected vaccines – For older adults, to offer stronger immune protection.
    • Adjuvanted injected vaccines – for adults over the age of 65, as the adjuvant enhances the immune response. 
    • Nasal spray vaccines – a live attenuated vaccine offered to most children from the age of 2 up to year 11 of school (aside from a few exceptions, depending on medical history).

    Benefits of the Flu Vaccine

    As well as protecting us from flu and reducing the severity of flu illness, the benefits of the vaccine also extend to positive impacts upon the health, wellbeing and productivity of our wider communities. These benefits include:

    Individual Protection 

    • Reduced infection risk – The vaccine reduces the risk of infection and severity of infection.
    • Prevention of severe outcomes – Flu can result in severe complications, such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Vaccination reduces the the risk of these complications and subsequently reduces rates of hospitalisations and ITU admissions due to infection. This is particularly important for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions. 

    Family and community protection 

    • Herd Immunity – When a significant number of the a community have received vaccination, this creates herd immunity. As spread of viruses is limited by vaccination, protection is then offered to those who cannot be vaccination (such as young babies). 
    • Reduced Transmission – The reduction in transmission is also valuable in reducing infection rates in settings were close contacts with others is unavoidable (such as hospitals, schools and care homes)

    Economic and Healthcare Benefits

    • Decreased Healthcare Costs – Given that flu vaccination can help reduce the risk of flu, severity of flu and risk of complications, it helps reduce the costs associated with the treatment of flu and its complications (such as the cost of medication and hospital stays).
    • Enhanced Workforce Productivity – Those that are vaccinated are less likely to get flu and also experience milder symptoms if they get it. This means that they will need to take less time off work, which will have less of an impact on productivity and economic output.

    Addressing Common Misconceptions

    Myth 1: The Flu Vaccine Causes Flu 

    This is one of the most common myths that we hear. The vaccines either contain inactivated flu strains, weakened forms of the virus or genetic material from a virus. None of these elements cause flu but they do stimulate the immune response which can cause some mild flu-like symptoms as a side effect (such as low grade fever, aching and tiredness).

    Myth 2: Healthy Individuals Do Not Need the Flu Vaccine

    This is another common misconception. Whilst healthy people are at a lower risk of complications from flu infection, they can still become unwell and also spread the infection to others who may be more vulnerable. Vaccination helps to protect the individual and those around them.

    Myth 3: The Flu Vaccine is Ineffective

    This perception comes from the fact that the vaccine is not 100% effective at preventing infection. However it does not take into account the benefits of reduced severity of infection, reduced risk of complications and reduction in transmission (along with all of the many other substantial benefits listed above). Overall, the benefits clearly stack up.

    Recommendations and Best Practices

    Timing of Vaccination

    The optimal time to receive the vaccine is before the end of October, when flu viruses start to spread more. Vaccination later in the flu season can still provide benefits, as infection rates tend to peak in January and February, but can continue until May. It takes up to two weeks to get the full immunity benefits of the vaccine after having it.

    Vaccination for Specific Populations

    Anyone over the age of 6 months can have the flu vaccine, but certain groups should prioritise vaccination, as they are at increased risk of complications. This includes:

    • Adults and children with certain long term health conditions (see below)
    • Adults over the age of 65 (recommended to get the adjuvanted vaccine)
    • Children aged 2 years and above, up to year 11 of school
    • Pregnant women 
    • People who live in a residential or nursing home
    • People who are carers
    • People with a learning disability
    • Those living with someone who has a weakened immune system
    • Health and social care workers

    Children and adults with long term health conditions are advised to get the flu jab as sometimes flu can make their  condition worse. This includes heart problems, certain lung diseases, kidney disease, those with weakened immunity, liver disease, prior stroke or mini-stroke, diabetes, some neurological conditions, problems with your spleen and people with a body mass index of over 40.

    Annual Vaccination

    As flu viruses are constantly evolving and new strains are regularly appearing, yearly vaccination is essential to ensure that we have optimal immunity against the current flu strains. Data is continually being collected on the current circulating strains and this is used to make recommendations of the composition of the flu vaccine each year.

    Conclusion

    The flu vaccine is a vital tool that helps protect us against this contagious and sometimes severe infection. It has a huge range of benefits for individuals, by reducing the risk of infection, severity of infection and risk of complications. But it also has more far reaching benefits for families and wider communities, by reducing transmission, offering herd immunity and helping protect the vulnerable (including those who may not be eligible for or have access to the vaccine). As flu season approaches, it is imperative to prioritise flu vaccination for ourselves and our families.

    DR J HUGH COYNE
    MBBS BSc PGDip (with merit) MRCGP DRCOG DCH

    Dr Hugh Coyne is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical, a private preventive health clinic at 660 Fulham Road, London. He trained at Imperial College London and has been in practice for over twenty years, with a particular focus on cardiovascular risk, metabolic health, and exercise medicine. After qualifying as a GP he went on to train in sport and exercise medicine, bringing a distinctly practical approach to prevention and long-term health.

    British Association of Sports and Exercise Medicine  ·  European Atherosclerosis Society  · 
    Independent Doctors Federation

    As seen in The Independent, The Daily Mail and Tatler

    Book a Health Screening

    For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.

    Read More Longevity & Healthspan Guides