Effectiveness of a national cardiovascular disease risk assessment program (NHS Health Check): results after one year

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a significant public health concern.
• Systematic risk assessment programs aim to mitigate CVD risk factors.
• The NHS Health Check is a national program targeting individuals aged 40-74 for CVD risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the NHS Health Check program in reducing CVD risk.
• To assess changes in CVD risk factors and statin prescription rates post-intervention.
• To analyze outcomes in a deprived, culturally diverse population in England.

Main Methods:

• A pre-post study design was employed.
• Data from 4748 high-risk patients (aged 40-74) at baseline and 3712 at follow-up were analyzed.
• Changes in global CVD risk, individual risk factors, and statin prescriptions were assessed after one year.

Main Results:

• A significant reduction in mean CVD risk score (28.2% to 26.2%) was observed.
• Significant decreases in diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and lipid ratios were noted.
• Statin prescription rates increased substantially from 14.0% to 60.6% in patients with a complete Health Check.

Conclusions:

• The NHS Health Check is associated with significant, albeit modest, reductions in CVD risk among high-risk individuals.
• Further research on cost-effectiveness and program uptake is necessary.
• The program's broader impact on population health requires additional investigation.