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Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Effects on Behavior in Switzerland The Swiss Heart Foundation

Niclas Freund1, Bernhard C Friedli2, Therese Junker3

  • 1University Hospital Basel, Cardiology Department, Switzerland.

The Open Cardiovascular Medicine Journal
|April 3, 2015
PubMed

Insights

CardioTest (®) in Swiss pharmacies identified cardiovascular risk and influenced behavior. While overall risk was low, higher risk scores prompted doctor consultations and correlated with increased cardiovascular events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Pharmacy Practice

Background:

  • CardioTest (®) is a tool for assessing cardiovascular risk.
  • The study evaluated its effectiveness in Swiss pharmacies for risk stratification and behavioral impact.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if pharmacy-based CardioTest (®) provides accurate cardiovascular risk stratification.
  • To assess the impact of CardioTest (®) on individual behavior and lifestyle modifications.

Main Methods:

  • Evaluated participants' blood pressure, waist circumference, blood samples, and risk factors.
  • Calculated cardiovascular risk using the AGLA Risk Score (ARS), a modified PROCAM Score.
  • Followed up participants after one year to assess actions taken and cardiovascular events (chest pain, myocardial infarction, stroke).

Main Results:

  • 746 participants (mean age 62.7 years, 60% male) completed the follow-up.
  • The majority had low cardiovascular risk (73.9% ARS <10%), with 21.7% intermediate and 4.4% high (ARS >20%).
  • Higher ARS significantly correlated with increased doctor consultations and a higher rate of cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

  • Pharmacy-based CardioTest (®) offers risk stratification for future cardiovascular events.
  • The tool appears to influence individual behavior and promote lifestyle changes.
  • Consideration of alternative screening settings may be needed to reach higher-risk individuals earlier.
Abstract

Keywords:
Coronary artery diseaselifestylerisk assessmentrisk factors

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