[Cardiometabolic risk factors detected with a preventative screening programme].

OBJECTIVE

Design and implementation of a preventative screening programme for cardiometabolic risk assessment in a medium-sized general practice. Description of the response rate and number of detected diseases to be treated.

DESIGN

Questionnaire and observational research.

METHOD

All registered patients aged 40 to 75 years without prior cardiometabolic disease (cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and renal disorders) (n=1704) received a written invitation to participate in a preventative screening programme. During a maximum of 3 sequential screening steps the risk for cardiometabolic disease for each participant was determined. Based on their outcome, participants were offered treatment when necessary. The number of patients who completed each of the steps as well as the number of detected disorders were registered.

RESULTS

In total 1270 patients (75%) returned an initial screening questionnaire. Based on the information provided in this questionnaire 952 patients were invited for an additional examination at the general practice. In 145 participants (11% of 1270) at least one condition was diagnosed that needed either treatment or follow-up according to the prevailing Dutch practice guidelines, such as elevated risk for cardiovascular diseases, isolated systolic hypertension, diabetes mellitus, suspected familiar hypercholesterolaemia or renal disorders.

CONCLUSION

The response-rate as well as the number of newly diagnosed cases demonstrate that it is quite feasible to screen for cardiometabolic disorders in a primary healthcare centre. Follow-up studies are needed to assess the long-term health effects and efficiency of the preventative screening programme.