Cardiovascular diseases cause more than a quarter of all deaths in Scotland, the second most common cause of death after cancer. Scotland is predicting a 21% rise in disease burden by 2043 and a major cause of this increase is linked to CVD. Whilst some CVD figures have previously improved with the reduction in smoking, some of these are now rising again with the impact of obesity on our health, closely linked to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.

We have now commenced a Scottish CVD Risk Factors programme which is part of a wider suite of work focusing on preventing and detecting ill health before it happens.

Cardiovascular disease is a term used to describe a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and include coronary heart disease (heart attacks, angina), cerebrovascular disease (stroke or mini stroke), rheumatic heart disease and other conditions. 

Identifying those at highest risk of CVDs and ensuring they receive appropriate treatment can prevent premature deaths. 

The risk factors we want to find, optimise and reduce are:

1. High blood pressure

2. High lipids (cholesterol)

3. High blood sugar

4. Obesity

5. Smoking

Additionally, there are non-modifiable factors which place people at higher CVD Risk –

• Ethnicity (Black and South Asian)
• Taking certain medications e.g. antipsychotics
• Family history - related to early CVD death, familial hypercholesterolaemia, lipoprotein (a).

You may be eligible to take part in the programme if you are:

• aged bettwen 35-60 and
• have not received a full bundle of checks in the last 3 years

You will be asked to attend our Health Care Assistant for the following measurements and tests:

• height and weight to calculate your BMI
• waist measurement
• Blood pressure
• Blood tests for diabetes and cholesterol

We would also like to know about your family history of heart attacks/strokes and diabetes. 

This information will be use to assess your risk of cardiovascular disease. If your risk is high or you have any abnormal results you will be contacted by the practice to arrange a review and given advice on reducing this risk with lifestyle measures and medication if needed. 

Please contact the practice to arrange a suitable appointment with our health care assistant. 

Please follow this link for lots of helpful and informative advice about reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes - Resources for preventing cardiovascular disease