Integrated programmes for cardiovascular disease risk reduction: the need for new models of care

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Although mortality rates for CVD have fallen by up to three-quarters in the UK, it still accounts for 26% of all deaths there. It costs the UK economy over £15 billion each year.1 Declining CVD mortality rates increases the number of individuals surviving into old age with CVD, leaving them at increased risk for a subsequent event. For individuals who have not suffered an event, the presence of certain genetic, behavioural and biological factors increases their risk of CVD. At least 80% of CVDs are potentially preventable by the elimination of health risk behaviours through a combination of changes to lifestyle—diet, physical activity, smoking cessation and reduction in the harmful use of alcohol.2 These behaviours are modifiable when evidence-based behavioural models of change are employed.3 Across Europe and other western countries, there...
Source: Heart - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Editorials Source Type: research