'Health MOT' test for Scots turning 40

The Life Begins at 40 scheme will allow those contacted to assess their own health online or over the phone, before being given health information tailored to their needs.

The service is part of a 15 million package to help people over the age of 40 check on their health.

A four-year pilot project, backed by more than 3.5m, will this year start to determine the feasibility of introducing universal face-to-face "heart MOTs" to over 40s.

Minister for public health, Shona Robison, said 74,000 Scots will be invited to self-assess their lifestyles and encouraged to think about their health this year.

She said: "In today's tough economic times we need to be as efficient as possible and that means maximising our investment in the health of the Scottish people. By investing in health services fit for the 21st century we can save lives. We don't just want to treat people who are ill; we want to make sure people stay healthy.

"Prevention is better than cure and we are dedicated to doing all that we can to identify those at risk from as early as possible. It's important that people are encouraged to check their health and we want to make it as easy and convenient as possible.

"The 'heart MOT' health check will provide vital research in health prevention. The checks will be for all individuals aged 40 to 74 - not just those believed to be at risk - and will mean that we will be able to test the success of a general heart check-up for the first time.

"This range of activity will offer a co-ordinated and complementary programme of preventative health checks."

NHS 24 medical director Dr George Crooks said that many people will look after themselves better if they have a greater understanding of their own health.