Healthcare delivery models for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD)

This report provides international evidence for health service providers and commissioners about how services might best prevent cardiovascular disease (CVD). Background CVD-related conditions contribute to one in three deaths each year and cost the UK economy an estimated £25.8billion annually. Guidelines for preventing CVD and managing risk factors are well established. Many people at risk, however, are not adequately identified and not effectively treated. This issue is now being tackled with the anticipated launch of the 'Reduce your Risk' campaign and vascular screening programme announced in the Next Stage Review. This report This report focuses on healthcare delivery processes that address the prevention and primary care management of modifiable CVD risk factors. There is strong evidence to show the successful impact GP-led services can have on identifying high risk patients and providing behavioural and educational services that would mitigate risk. This review gathers evidence from the UK and the US on screening and assessment risk for CVD, health promotion efforts to decrease CVD risk and early interventions to reduce CVD risk among high-risk individuals.