Is population-based cardiovascular screening feasible in primary care? Results from the PreveCardio program

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cardiology
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality in Spain.
• No systematic population-based CVD screening program currently exists in Spain.
• Primary care settings offer a potential venue for CVD risk factor screening.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility of a nurse-led, single-visit cardiovascular screening program (PreveCardio) in Spanish primary care.
• To determine the prevalence of modifiable CVD risk factors and associated socioeconomic factors.
• To assess the translation of pilot findings into regional health policy.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted in 42 primary care centers in a Spanish region.
• 8491 individuals aged 50-75 years were invited; 3545 participated.
• Trained nurses conducted 30-minute visits with point-of-care measurements (BP, lipids, HbA1c) and questionnaires.

Main Results:

• The study achieved 99% clinical data completeness.
• Prevalence: elevated blood pressure (40.4%), obesity (29.5%), non-optimal LDL cholesterol (48.7%), prediabetes (30.7%), active smoking (19.5%).
• Smoking exhibited the steepest socioeconomic gradient (aOR, 3.25). Direct cost was €11.75 per participant.

Conclusions:

• A nurse-led, single-visit CVD screening program is operationally feasible in Spanish primary care.
• The program identified a high burden of modifiable CVD risk factors and significant socioeconomic disparities.
• Pilot findings led to the approval of the first systematic CVD screening program in a Spanish autonomous community.