Peter Howell's Experience
“You were cutting it fine, Mr Howells”: Routine health check leads to double diagnosis of life-threatening heart and lung conditions for Yorkshire artist
When Peter Howells, 73, booked a full health MOT with Bluecrest, he thought it would be a standard check-up. Living an active life as an artist in Cornwall, Peter believed he was in good health. What he didn’t know was that the decision to book that test would save his life.
“It was pure instinct,” Peter recalls. “Sometimes, you just have to trust your gut.”
What followed was a series of life-changing discoveries.
The heart of the issue
During the Bluecrest health MOT, Peter’s results showed an irregularity in his heart. “Just finding that out prompted everything else that happened,” he explains.
Acting quickly, Peter took the report to his GP, who referred him to a cardiologist. Further tests revealed a serious blockage in one of the main arteries of his heart.
“The cardiologist told me, ‘You were cutting it fine, Mr Howells.’ If I hadn’t had that report, I wouldn’t have pursued it. I wouldn’t have known anything was wrong, and in all likelihood, I may well have had a heart attack.”
In January, Peter underwent an angiogram, where dye was used to highlight his arteries. The blockage was confirmed, and a stent was fitted to restore blood flow to his heart.
“I was very lucky,” Peter says. “It’s a fair bet I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t followed it up.”
A second discovery
Alongside the heart irregularity, a later CT scan uncovered lung abnormalities, leading to a diagnosis of emphysema, a chronic lung condition.
Although Peter quit smoking 25 years ago, the damage had already been done. “I gave up cigarettes 25 years ago, but it still comes back to haunt you,” he says.
The discovery was a shock but explained some symptoms Peter had previously ignored. “I thought I was just out of breath from exercise or age,” he admits. “But the test showed there was something more serious going on.”
While the lung condition was unrelated to his heart, it forced Peter to reassess his lifestyle and even his work as an artist. Specialising in pastels for many years, Peter realised the dust created by his medium could exacerbate his condition. He made the difficult decision to transition to acrylic painting, a cleaner alternative, and began retraining himself in this new style.
“It was a big change,” Peter admits. “But I’m determined to keep doing what I love. I’ve been working on seascapes and teaching myself new techniques.”
A life transformed
Since having the stent fitted and adjusting his lifestyle for the emphysema, Peter has embraced the changes that came with his diagnosis.
“I’ve always been active, but I’ve made adjustments. I’m eating better, exercising, and taking all the steps you’re supposed to take. It’s not always exciting, but it’s worth it.”
Peter remains philosophical about his experience. “I took matters into my own hands, and it paid off. It’s as simple as that.”
A lucky escape
Reflecting on the events that unfolded, Peter is acutely aware of how close he came to a different outcome. “Those corny sayings you see – ‘Your life may depend on it’ – well, it’s true. If I hadn’t booked that test, I wouldn’t have known about the blockage in my heart or the issues with my lungs. It’s as simple as that.”
Peter also highlights the importance of taking a proactive approach to healthcare insights; “It’s a bit of a lottery. Depending on where you live, you might not have access to the same services. You have to take charge of your own health.”
A message to others
Peter is now an advocate for regular health assessments and encourages others not to wait if they’re considering one.
“What have you got to lose?” he asks. “I could have lost my life. That’s the reality. Thanks to that test, I caught something that could have killed me. You can’t put a price on that kind of peace of mind.”
A second chance
Today, Peter continues to pursue his passion for art, spending his time working on new pieces and perfecting his technique. While his health journey has had its challenges, he is grateful for the care and interventions that saved his life.
“My prognosis is good, and I feel lucky every day. I’m now eating a plant based wholefood diet and feel fantastic. Without that test, things could have been very different. It really did save my life.”
For Peter, his story is a reminder of the importance of listening to your instincts and taking control of your health.
“It’s not just about knowing you’re OK – it’s about catching the things you don’t know. I would tell anyone to go ahead and book a health MOT. It might just save your life.”
To find out more about how you can empower your employees with health insights and make health assessments an integral part of your wellbeing strategy, contact our team today.
