Cardiovascular Risk Management Program Research Articles

Population-wide impact of a pragmatic program to identify and manage individuals at high-risk of cardiovascular disease: a cluster randomized trial in 120 villages from Northern China

ObjectivesTo explore the population-wide impacts of an evidence-based high-risk strategy for prevention of cardiovascular diseases in resource-poor populations.MethodsA cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted among 120 villages in rural China, with 60 on intervention and 60 on usual care as controls, for 2 years. The intervention emphasized training village doctors to identify high-risk individuals and administering standardized treatments focusing on hypertension management. A random sample of 20 men aged ≥50 years and 20 women aged ≥60 years was drawn from each village before randomization for the baseline survey, and another independent random sample with the same age and sex distribution was drawn at 2 years for the post-intervention survey. The primary outcome was the population mean systolic blood pressure (SBP). Secondary outcomes included the proportions of patients who received regular primary care, antihypertensive medications, aspirin, or lifestyle advice.ResultsA total of 5,654 high cardiovascular risk individuals were identified and managed by village doctors in intervention villages for 15 months on average, with mean SBP lowered by 19.8 mmHg and the proportion with blood pressure under control increased from 22.1% to 72.7%. The primary analysis of the two independent samples (5,050 and 4,887 participants each) showed that population-wide mean SBP in intervention villages did not differ from that in control villages at 2 years (mean difference = 1.0 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.19, 4.26; P = 0.528), though almost all secondary outcomes concerning primary care indicators significantly increased in intervention villages.ConclusionsIn our study, the pragmatic cardiovascular risk management program targeting on high-risk individuals significantly improved the quality of primary care. However, its impact on population blood pressure level and the burden of hypertension-related diseases appeared very limited. Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrial.gov identifier, NCT01259700.

Patient characteristics and reasons for discontinuation in a cardiovascular risk management programme in The Netherlands

BackgroundSince 2010, an increasing number of patients have participated in a nurse-led integrated cardiovascular risk management programme in the Netherlands. Because it is important to understand which patients discontinue and why, when evaluating the effectiveness of the care programme, the aim was to identify the reasons for discontinuation.MethodsElectronic health records of 3997 patients enrolled in a nurse-led integrated cardiovascular risk management programme that started on April 1st, 2010, were manually scrutinized for reasons for discontinuation between April 1st, 2010, and April 1st, 2018. In addition to death and moving to a diabetes care programme, we describe 7 different reasons why patients discontinued the programme and compared the patient characteristics of those who discontinued the programme without specific reasons with those who remained in the care programme for 8 years.ResultsBetween April 1st, 2010, and April 1st, 2018, 1,190 participants (29.8%) discontinued the CVRM care programme, of whom 271 participants died (6.8%) and 195 were transferred to a diabetes care programme (4.9%). The remaining 724 patients (18.1%) participated 5 years before discontinuation. Of these, 67 (9.3%) had a previous cardiovascular event at the start of the programme. In 355 patients, a specific reason for discontinuation was not found. At baseline, these patients less frequently had a history of CVD than those who continued the programme for 8 years (1.7 vs. 22.6%), were younger (62 vs. 67 years), had less registered cardiovascular comorbidity (atrial fibrillation: 1.1 vs. 7.2%; congestive heart failure 0.3 vs. 1.2%; chronic kidney disease 0.0 vs. 4.5%), were more often smokers (13.0% vs. 4.3%) and took blood pressure- and lipid-lowering drugs twice as often.ConclusionsIn our study we observed that participants who discontinued the nurse-led integrated CVRM care programme between 2010 and 2018 without specific reason or on request were younger, without previous CVD, had less cardiovascular comorbidity and were better adjusted to medication. Exploring the patients’ reasons for discontinuation can contribute to an individualized approach to prevent or reduce discontinuation.

Cardiovascular risk reduction with integrated care: results of 8 years follow up

BackgroundCare groups organize integrated cardiovascular risk management programs in primary care for high risk patients. Results of long term cardiovascular risk management are scarce. The aim was to describe changes in low density lipoprotein cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and smoking between 2011 and 2018 in patients participating in an integrated program for cardiovascular risk management organized by a care group in the Netherlands.AimTo explore whether long-term participation in an integrated cardiovascular risk management program could lead to the improvement of 3 important risk factors for cardiovascular disease.MethodsA protocol was developed for delegated practice nurse activities. A multidisciplinary data registry was used for uniform registration. The care group organized annual education for general practitioners and practice nurses on cardiovascular topics and regular meetings for practice nurses only to discuss complex patient cases and implementation issues. From 2015 onwards, the care group started with practice visitations to discuss performance and support practices with organizing integrated care.ResultsIn patients eligible for primary prevention as well as for secondary prevention similar trends were observed: lipid modifying and blood pressure lowering medication increased, mean low density lipoprotein cholesterol and mean systolic blood pressure decreased, patients on target for low density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure increased and the proportion of non-smokers with both low density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure on target increased. Improved registration between 2011 and 2013 was partly responsible for the sharp increase of patients on target for low density lipoprotein cholesterol and systolic blood pressure.ConclusionIn patients participating in an integrated cardiovascular risk management program, we saw annual improvements in 3 important cardiovascular risk factors between 2011 and 2018.

Cardiovascular risk management in patients with severe mental illness or taking antipsychotics: A qualitative study on barriers and facilitators among dutch general practitioners

Background Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) or receiving treatment with antipsychotics (APs) have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) increasingly depends on general practitioners (GPs) because of the shift of mental healthcare from secondary to primary care and the surge of off-label AP prescriptions. Nevertheless, the uptake of patients with SMI/APs in CVRM programmes in Dutch primary care is low. Objectives To explore which barriers and facilitators GPs foresee when including and treating patients with SMI or using APs in an existing CVRM programme. Methods In 2019, we conducted a qualitative study among 13 Dutch GPs. During individual in-depth, semi-structured interviews a computer-generated list of eligible patients who lacked annual cardiovascular risk (CVR) screening guided the interview. Data was analysed thematically. Results The main barriers identified were: (i) underestimation of patient CVR and ambivalence to apply risk-lowering strategies such as smoking cessation, (ii) disproportionate burden on GPs in deprived areas, (iii) poor information exchange between GPs and psychiatrists, and (iv) scepticism about patient compliance, especially those with more complex conditions. The main facilitators included: (i) support of GPs through a computer-generated list of eligible patients and (ii) involvement of family or carers. Conclusion This study displays a range of barriers and facilitators anticipated by GPs. These indicate the preconditions required to remove barriers and facilitate GPs, namely adequate recommendations in practice guidelines, improved consultation opportunities with psychiatrists, practical advice to support patient adherence and incentives for practices in deprived areas.

Stepwise implementation of a cardiovascular risk management care program in primary care

BackgroundPrimary care plays a pivotal role in sustainable cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) but little is known about the organizational process of implementing the guidelines. The aim of the study was to describe the approach taken by a primary care group to implement the CVRM guideline.MethodsStepwise introduction and implementation of a programmatic CVRM care program was organized and facilitated by the care group between April 2010 and January 2013 in 137 affiliated general practices with 188 general practitioners (GPs), in the vicinity of Eindhoven, Netherlands. Care group support comprised sufficient staff, support with data extraction based on ICPC and ATC codes and with identification of eligible patients by scrutinizing patient health records and adequate coding of disease conditions.ResultsPatient selection based on availability of structured information on ICPC codes and risk factor levels from the electronic health records, led to 38,675 eligible patients in 2013. December 2019, the CVRM program was still running in 151 practices with 51,416 patients receiving programmatic CVRM care. Linking problems between 8 different electronic health record systems and the multidisciplinary information system for integrated care delayed adequate data collection until the beginning of 2013.ConclusionCommitment of affiliated GPs, a structured approach with adequate coding of diagnoses and risk factors, central data registration and additional funding for sufficient staff support are important conditions for the introduction and implementation of successful and sustainable programmatic CVRM care. This approach constitutes the basis for long-term follow up and annual evaluation.

Integrated cardiovascular risk management programme versus usual care in patients at high cardiovascular risk: an observational study in general practice.

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death worldwide. Despite the impact of CVDs, risk factors are often insufficiently controlled in patients at high risk. Recently, integrated multidisciplinary cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) programmes have been introduced in primary care.AimTo investigate the effects of a CVRM programme on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol.Design & settingA prospective observational study was undertaken in patients at high cardiovascular (CV) risk who were aged 40–80 years. Integrated CVRM care was compared with usual care in general practice in the Netherlands.MethodIntervention and usual care patients were matched at baseline on age, sex, and presence of CVD. During 1 year of follow-up, patients received integrated or usual CVRM care in general practice. Primary outcomes were SBP and LDL-cholesterol. Secondary outcomes included calculated 10-year CV risk, body mass index (BMI), lifestyle (smoking, physical activity, and dietary habits), medication use, patient satisfaction, healthcare consumption, morbidity, comorbidity, and mortality. Mixed-model analyses were used to assess the outcomes.ResultsTotals of 372 and 317 patients were included in the intervention and usual care group, respectively. Mean age at baseline was 65.1 years and 66.2 years, respectively, and 42% were female in both groups. After 1 year, no differences were observed in: SBP (137.2 mmHg versus 139.0 mmHg in the intervention and usual care group, respectively); LDL-cholesterol (2.6 mmol/l in both groups); or in any of the secondary outcomes.ConclusionIntegrated CVRM care in general practice did not lead to a lower SBP or LDL-cholesterol in patients at high CV risk. Further research is needed to improve CVRM.

Effectiveness of a prevention program in the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes in a low-income population from Colombia: a real-world\xa0propensity score-matched cohort study

BackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and diabetes mellitus (DM) are among the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) but evidence in these contexts regarding the effectiveness of primary prevention interventions taking into account patient adherence is scarce. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiovascular risk management program (De Todo Corazón - DTC program) in the incidence of the first cardiovascular outcome (CVO) in a low-income population from the Caribbean region of Colombia using adherence as the main variable of exposure.MethodsA retrospective propensity score-matched cohort study was conducted. Adult patients with a diagnosis of hypertension (HTA), diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), or dyslipidemia affiliated to the DTC program between 2013 and 2018 were considered as the study population. Patients with 30 to 76 years, without a history of CVOs, and with more than 6 months of exposure to the program were included. The main outcome of interest was the reduction in the risk of CVOs (stroke, myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure) based on the adherence to the intervention (attendance to medical appointments with health care professionals and the control of cardiovascular risk factors). Kaplan Meier curves and propensity score-matched Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between adherence and the incidence of CVOs.ResultsA total of 52,507 patients were included. After propensity score matching, a sample of 35,574 patients was analyzed. Mean (SD) exposure time was 1.97 (0.92) years. Being adherent to the program was associated to a 85.4, 71.9, 32.4 and 78.9% risk reduction of in the low (HR 0.14; 95% CI 0.05–0.37; p < 0.001), medium (HR 0.28; 95% CI 0.21–0.36; p < 0.001), high-risk with DM (HR 0.67; 95% CI 0.43–1.04; p = 0.075) and hig-risk without DM (HR 0.21; 95% CI 0.09–0.48; p < 0.001) categories, respectively.ConclusionsThe DTC program is effective in the reduction of the risk of CVOs. Population-based interventions may be an important strategy for the prevention of CVOs in underserved populations in the context of LMICs. A more exhaustive emphasis on the control of diabetes mellitus should be considered in these strategies.

Investigating the current knowledge and needs concerning a follow-up for long-term cardiovascular risks in Dutch women with a preeclampsia history: a qualitative study

BackgroundThere is increasing evidence that a history of preeclampsia is an important risk factor for future cardiovascular events. Awareness of this risk could provide opportunities for identification of women at risk, with opportunities for prevention and / or early intervention. A standardized follow-up has not yet been implemented in the north of the Netherlands. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore the opinions and wishes among women and physicians about the follow-up for women with a history of preeclampsia.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with 15 women and 14 physicians (5 obstetricians, 4 general practitioners, 3 vascular medicine specialists and 2 cardiologists) were performed and addressed topics about knowledge on CVR, current - and future follow-up. Women were approached through the HELLP foundation and their physicians. Physicians were approached by email. The interviews were recorded, typed and coded using ATLAS.ti software. A theoretical-driven thematic analysis was performed.ResultsWomen had some knowledge about the association between preeclampsia and the increased CVR, but missed information from their health care providers. Specialists were aware of the association, but the information and advice they provided to their patients was minimal and inconsistent according to themselves. Whereas some general practitioners regarded their own knowledge as limited. There was a clear desire among women for a more extensive follow-up with specific attention to both emotional and physical consequences of preeclampsia. Physicians indicated that they preferred to see a follow up program concerning the CVR at the general practitioner as part of the already existent cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) program.ConclusionWomen and medical specialists consider it important to improve aftercare for women after a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia. Introducing these women into the CVRM program at the general practitioner is regarded as a preferred first step. Further research is warranted to establish an evidence-based guideline for the follow-up of these women.

PCV18 IMPACT IN HOSPITALIZATION COSTS OF A CARDIOVASCULAR RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN COLOMBIA: A PROPENSITY SCORE MATCHING MODEL

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death and burden of disease in Colombia and globally. In 2017, CVD represented the 12% of total DALYs. CVD is a costly disease from patient, family and societal perspectives. Effective prevention and risk management programs reduces the incidence of CVD by as much as 80%. We aimed to estimate the impact of direct medical hospitalization costs related to adherence in a risk management program in Colombia, 2018. We retrospectively collected data from 6,243 patients with data of enrollment in a cardiovascular risk management program (DTC, in Spanish) of a subsidized insurer, who presented arterial hypertension (AH) or AH+ type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2). 1,065 were identified adherent to the program (treated) and 5.178 non adherent (controls). We designed a propensity score matching model adjusted with confounding variables to estimate the effect of treatment (program adherence) over hospitalization cost. Costs were calculated based on hospitalization invoices and expressed in Colombian pesos (COP) 2018. DTC has an average negative effect on cost of treated population. Being treated avoids hospitalization costs; these results were statistically significant at the 5% and 10% level (with 95%CI that goes through zero). Hence, being in the DTC program reduces hospital costs that ranges from COP-$ 11,346,372 to -$ 799,259 (95%CI) compared to the average cost. The overall impact on program costs is a significant saving of COP583,670 per event-year. If all members of the DTC program fulfilled its activities by more than 80%, the savings generated by the program would be close to COP$ 6.85 billion. DTC risk management program reduces direct hospitalization costs of events associated to CVD. Our results are important to design policies focused on the cost and risk management of patients with CVD in poor population.

PCV53 EFFECTIVENESS OF A CARDIOVASCULAR RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN THE INCIDENCE OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN A LOW-INCOME POPULATION FROM THE CARIBBEAN REGION OF COLOMBIA

Evaluate the effectiveness of a cardiovascular risk management program “De Todo Corazon” (DTC) on the incidence of cardiovascular events (CVE) in a low-income population from the Caribbean region of Colombia. This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients with 20 to 76 years affiliated to insurer company and enrolled to the DTC program were considered as the study population. The data source was an administrative database of all 128,263 patients between Jan 2015 and Dec 2018. The main outcome was the reduction in the risk of a CVE (stroke, AMI or CHF) based in the time-person exposed to the intervention. Four different time thresholds were considered for stablishing exposure status: six months, one year, two years and four years. Propensity score-weighted Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association between exposure to the program and the incidence of CVE. Exposed to the DTC program had a significantly lower risk of a cardiovascular outcome in the 1-year ( HR : 0.878, (IC95% 0.770 – 1.001), p = 0.051), 2 years ( HR : 0.517, (IC95% 0.472 – 0.565), p < 0.001) and 4 years ( HR : 0.447, (IC95% 0.418 – 0.479), p < 0.001) but not in the 6-month (HR : 1.046, (IC95% 0.879 – 1.245), p = 0.612). Control of blood pressure was associated to a lower risk of a CVO in all scenarios of exposure (6-month = HR : 0.373, (IC95% 0.339 – 0.410), 1-year = HR : 0.375 (IC95% 0.327 – 0.390), 2 years = HR : 0.366 (IC95% 0.329 – 0.407), 4 years = HR : 0.358 (IC95% 0.332 – 0.385)(p<0.001). The DTC program was shown to be effective in the reduction of the risk of a CVE after one year of exposure. Population-based interventions may be an important strategy for the prevention of CVE in low-income individuals.

PCV61 EFFECTIVENESS OF A CARDIOVASCULAR RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN REDUCING THE PROBABILITY OF PREMATURE DEATH DUE TO CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN THE COLOMBIAN CARIBBEAN REGION

Effectiveness of a cardiovascular risk management program in reducing the probability of premature death due to cardiovascular events in the Colombian Caribbean region This was a cross-sectional study. The age at death due to an acute myocardial infraction (AMI), stroke, congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients enrolled (n=128,263) and not enrolled (n=1,088,225) to the DTC program was compared. CVE within the enrolled population were identified if the hospital admission date was after the date of enrollment. Patients>=20 years were included, and only the first CVE observed were selected. A premature death was defined if a CVE occurred in women <60 years and men <55 years. A multivariate logit model was estimated, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported. A total of 13,415 CVE (AMI=4,703 (36.31%), stroke=4,781 (36.69%) and CHF=3,507 (29.83%)) were identified. In the DTC cohort, 6,483 (48.33%) CVE occurred. Patients in the DTC cohort were less likely to have premature death due to a CVE compared to those not enrolled (OR 95% CI); (OR = 0.470; 0.302 - 0.718) (p <0.001). By type of event, it was only significant for stroke (OR = 0.161; 0.059 - 0.373)(p <0.001), but not for AMI (OR = 0.650; 0.288 - 1.421)(p = 0.640), CHF (OR = 0.767; 0.288 - 1.421)(p = 0.43). Being enrolled in the DTC program for cardiovascular risk management, reduces the probability of premature death between approximately 22% and 70%, compared to not being included. The DTC program is effective for reducing the risk of premature death, especially in patients with stroke.

Telephone outreach by community workers to improve uptake of NHS Health Checks in more deprived localities and minority ethnic groups: a qualitative investigation of implementation.

NHS Health Checks is a national cardiovascular risk assessment and management programme in England. To improve equity of uptake in more deprived, and Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) communities, a novel telephone outreach intervention was developed. The outreach call included an invitation to an NHS Health Check appointment, lifestyle questions, and signposting to lifestyle services. We examined the experiences of staff delivering the intervention. Thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 community Telephone Outreach Workers (TOWs) making outreach calls, and 5 Primary Care Practice (PCP) staff they liaised with. Normalization Process Theory was used to examine intervention implementation. Telephone outreach was perceived as effective in engaging patients in NHS Health Checks and could reduce related administration burdens on PCPs. Successful implementation was dependent on support from participating PCPs, and tensions between the intervention and other PCP priorities were identified. Some PCP staff lacked clarity regarding the intervention aim and this could reduce the potential to capitalize on TOWs' specialist skills. To maximize the potential of telephone outreach to impact equity, purposeful recruitment and training of TOWs is vital, along with support and integration of TOWs, and the telephone outreach intervention, in participating PCPs.

PCV17 ASSOCIATION BETWEEN EXPOSURE/ADHERENCE TO A CARDIOVASCULAR RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM AND THE INCIDENCE AND MORTALITY OF CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION OF COLOMBIA

To establish the association between the exposure to a cardiovascular risk management program [“De Todo Corazon (DTC)” program in Mutual SER-EPS] and the reduction of incidence and mortality by cardiovascular events (CVE: AMI, Stroke, congestive heart failure). Cohort study that compared the occurrence of CVE among patients over 18 years of age exposed and non-exposed to the DTC program (N = 113,277). Enrolled patients in the DTC program between June 2015 and June 2017 were considered as the exposed population and patients enrolled in the DTC program between July 2017 and July 2018 were considered as the unexposed population. Patients who achieved clinical goals (blood pressure <140/90 mmHg, HbA1c <7.5% and LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dl) were considered adherent to the DTC program. Incidence and mortality rates were compared and Incidence rate ratio (IRR) was used to evaluate the effect of the program. A Poisson regression model was used to assess the association between exposure to the program and CVE adjusting by socio-demographic characteristics and clinical goals. The incidence of CVE in exposed and unexposed patients was 6.8 and 9.5 per 1.000 persons per year, respectively [IRR of 0.72 (95% CI 0.60-0.87)]. Mortality associated to CVE in exposed and unexposed patients was 0.46 and 0.56 per 1.000 persons per year, respectively [IRR 0.82 (95% CI 0.40-1.95)]. When adjusting the estimation by age, sex and achievement of clinical goals, a lower incidence rate of CVE among patients who were adherent to the program was observed [IRR = 0.62 (CI 95% 0.46 - 0.86)]. Exposure to the DTC program significantly decreased the incidence and mortality CVE by 28% and 18%, respectively. Adherence to the DTC program significantly decreased the incidence of CVE by 38%.

PCV7 EFFECTIVENESS OF A CARDIOVASCULAR RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN THE REDUCTION OF PREMATURE MORTALITY ASSOCIATED TO CARDIOVASCULAR EVENTS IN THE CARIBBEAN REGION OF COLOMBIA

To establish the effectiveness of a cardiovascular risk management program [“De Todo Corazon (DTC)” program in Mutual SER-EPS] in the reduction of premature mortality associated to cardiovascular events (CVE) (male < 55 years, female < 60 years). The population eligible for the study were patients over 18 years of age affiliated to Mutual SER insurance company between June 2015 and June 2018 and residents of the Caribbean region of Colombia, enrolled or not to DTC program in which a cardiovascular event (CVE) occurred. The main outcomes considered were age of occurrence of cardiovascular events (AOCVE), age at death due to CVE (ADCVE) and years life lost (YLL). For the evaluation of the effectiveness, differences in AOCVO, ADCVO and the YPLL between the patients enrolled and non-enrolled in the DTC program were estimated using a Simple Linear Regression model. A total of 3.902 CVE occurred in the study period among both groups. The enrolled patients had an average of AOCVE of 4.96 years (95% CI 3.85-6.06) higher than in non-enrolled patients. The ADCVE average was 4.64 years (95% CI 1.47 - 7.81) higher in the enrolled patients compared with the non-enrolled patients. Patients enrolled in the DTC program had on average -3.54 (95% CI -5.62 - -1.46) YLL compared to the non-enrolled patients. The DTC program in Mutual SER-EPS was effective to delay the AOCVE, ADCVE and YPLL. DTC program is an effective strategy to reduce the incidence and premature mortality due to CVE in the Caribbean region of Colombia.

First cardiovascular event in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus of a cardiovascular risk management program of a poor Colombian population: a cohort study

BackgroundAccording to several studies in population of high-income countries (HIC), patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) have a considerably higher risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, it is not clear if the magnitude of this association can be widespread in other populations. The objective of this study was to determine the independent association between Type 2 DM and first cardiovascular event in Colombian Caribbean poor population with no records of previous cardiovascular events reported.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the individual records from the hospitalizations database of 64,668 patients of cardiovascular risk management program from July 2014 to December 2015. We used a propensity score matching cohort analysis for this study. The Kaplan–Meier curves were constructed for the cardiovascular events related endpoints and matched Cox-regression analysis to estimate associations of a history of Type 2 DM with cardiovascular outcomes during 1.5 years of follow-up. A formal sensitivity analysis using The Breslow-Day and Tarone Homogeneity tests was conducted.ResultsOut of 56,351 patients with no previous cardiovascular events records, 19,368 (34.4%) patients were found to suffer Type 2 DM. Using propensity scores for Type 2 DM, we gathered a cohort of 18,449 pairs of patients with and without Type 2 DM who were balanced on 22 baseline characteristics. A first cardiovascular event occurred in 650 (3.5%) and 403 (2.1%) matched patients with and without Type 2 DM, respectively, during 1.5 years of follow-up. Type 2 DM was associated with first cardiovascular event (HR 1.69; 95% CI 1.43–2.00; p = 0.000), AMI (HR 1.79; 95% CI 1.45–2.20; p = 0.000) and stroke (HR 1.54; 95% CI 1.18–2.02; p = 0.001). Hazard ratios (95% CIs) for the association of Type 2 DM with all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality and all-cause hospitalization were 1.36 (1.21–1.53; p < 0.001), 1.52 (1.12–2.08; p 0.004), and 1.20 (1.21–1.53; p < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionType 2 DM resulted to be a significant independent risk factor for first cardiovascular event in Colombian Caribbean poor population with no previous records of cardiovascular events.

Prevalence of Hypertensive Phenotypes After Preeclampsia: A Prospective Cohort Study.

URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT01095939.

Opportunities for Students to Prescribe: An Evaluation of 185 Consultations in the Student-run Cardiovascular Risk Management Programme.

Involving students in cardiovascular risk management (CVRM) could offer patients a structured CVRM programme and students a valuable learning opportunity. We describe and evaluate a student-run CVRM programme that was set up to offer primary prevention to patients with known risk factors in a general practitioner's practice. During a consultation, two undergraduate medical students assessed the patients' actual risk and formulated a CVRM plan, which they discussed with the patient after approval by a GP. After the consultations, patients were asked to complete evaluation/feedback questionnaires. From December 2014 to December 2015, 185 consultations were carried out by 46 students. Feedback questionnaires of 153 consultations were returned, in which patient satisfaction was 8.43 (1-10, min-max). The cardiovascular risk of 95 patients was determined, and in >50% patients, it was 'high'. Participating students and GPs were enthusiastic about the (pharmacotherapy) learning opportunities and improved CVRM care while contributing to real patient care in this CVRM programme.

Early Pharmacotherapy Learning Experiences In A Student-Run Cardiovascular Risk Management Programme are Beneficial to Students and Patients

Early Pharmacotherapy Learning Experiences In A Student-Run Cardiovascular Risk Management Programme are Beneficial to Students and Patients

Impact of the National Health Service Health Check on cardiovascular disease risk: a difference-in-differences matching analysis.

The National Health Service Health Check program in England is the largest cardiovascular risk assessment and management program in the world. We assessed the effect of this program on modelled risk of cardiovascular disease, individual risk factors for cardiovascular disease, prescribing of relevant medications and diagnosis of vascular disease. We obtained retrospective electronic medical records for a randomly selected sample of 138 788 patients aged 40-74 years registered with 462 English general practices participating in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink between 2009 and 2013. We used a quasi-experimental design of difference-indifferences matching analysis to compare changes in outcomes between Health Check attendees and nonattendees, with a median follow-up time of 2 years. Overall, 21.4% of the eligible population attended a Health Check. After matching (n = 29 672 in each group), attendees had a significant absolute reduction in modelled risk for cardiovascular disease (-0.21%, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.24% to -0.19%) and individual risk factors: systolic blood pressure (-2.51 mm Hg, 95% CI -2.77 to -2.25 mm Hg), diastolic blood pressure (-1.46 mm Hg, 95% CI -1.62 to -1.29 mm Hg), body mass index (-0.27, 95% CI -0.34 to -0.20) and total cholesterol (-0.15 mmol/L, 95% CI -0.18 to -0.13 mmol/L). Statins were prescribed for 39.9% of attendees who were at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The program resulted in significantly more diagnoses of selected vascular diseases among attendees, with the largest increases for hypertension (2.99%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (1.31%). The National Health Service Health Check program had statistically significant but clinically modest impacts on modelled risk for cardiovascular disease and individual risk factors, although diagnosis of vascular disease increased. Overall program performance was substantially below national and international targets, which highlights the need for careful planning, monitoring and evaluation of similar initiatives internationally.

Experiences of patients and healthcare professionals of NHS cardiovascular health checks: a qualitative study.

BackgroundNHS Health Checks are a national cardiovascular risk assessment and management programme in England and Wales. We examined the experiences of patients attending and healthcare professionals (HCPs) conducting NHS Health Checks.MethodsInterviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 28 patients and 16 HCPs recruited from eight general practices across a range of socio-economic localities. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, anonymized and analysed thematically.ResultsPatients were motivated to attend an NHS Health Check because of health beliefs, the perceived value of the programme, a family history of cardiovascular and other diseases and expectations of receiving a general health assessment. Some patients reported benefits including reassurance and reinforcement of healthy lifestyles. Others experienced confusion and frustration about how results and advice were communicated, some having a poor understanding of the implications of their results. HCPs raised concerns about the skill set of some staff to competently communicate risk and lifestyle information.ConclusionsTo improve the satisfaction of patients attending and improve facilitation of lifestyle change, HCPs conducting the NHS Health Checks require sufficient training to equip them with appropriate skills and knowledge to deliver the service effectively.