Cardiovascular Disease – Risk assessment

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Cardiovascular Disease – Risk assessment

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an umbrella term given to the range of conditions caused through atheroma formation within the blood vessels. It includes coronary heart disease, renal disease, peripheral vascular disease, and stroke. It is also associated with diabetes and cognitive impairment. Although these diseases manifest themselves in very different ways they have the same set of risk factors: smoking, obesity, lipids, lack of exercise, poor diet and high blood pressure. A combination of risk factors puts people at higher risk of CVD than a single, isolated risk factor.

Reducing premature mortality from CVD is a Government priority, and through early identification of cardiovascular risk factors as part of a risk assessment, mortality and morbidity can be improved.^1,2 The NHS Health checks for vascular risk assessment provide a structured approach to achieving this objective.³

This resource, consisting of five assessment questions at intermediate level, tests your understanding of risk assessment for CVD, and the tools available. Complete the resource, including reading the featured articles and undertaking some or all of the activities, to obtain a certificate for one hour of continuing professional development to include in your annual portfolio.