Vascular risk checks in the UK: Strategic challenges for implementation

Source: Heart Online First, 6 April 2009

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Date of Publication: April, 2009

Publication Type: Editorial

In a nutshell: In April 2009 the Department of Health is introducing a vascular risk checks programme, to systematically screen adults between the ages of 40 and 74 for cardiovascular risk. Screening will take place in a variety of settings, such as pharmacies and community centres. This article discusses issues to be considered, such as infrastructure, funding, and how to target risk assessment.

Length of Publication: 2 pages

Some important notes: This article requires an NHS Athens username and password. Please contact your local NHS library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

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Acknowledgements: Heart and Education in Heart

Long-term benefits of cardiac rehabilitation: A five-year follow-up of community-based phase 4 programmes

Source: British Journal of Cardiology, 16 (2) p. 73-77

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Date of Publication: March-April, 2009

Publication Type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Little is known of the benefits of phase 4 cardiac rehabilitation post acute myocardial infarction. This article examines a small, single-centre study which was designed to assess the effectiveness of long-term phase 4 cardiac rehabilitation based in the community. The study showed that there were observable benefits for patients who participated in community-based phase 4 programmes.

Length of Publication: 5 pages

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Acknowledgements: Medinews (Cardiology)

Fat neck a clue to heart risk

Source:  BBC News, 12 March 2009

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Date of  Publication:  March, 2009

Publication Type:  News item

In a nutshell:  A report from the Framingham Heart Study, which found that even people with apparently slim waists were at increased risk of heart problems if they had larger necks. Results were presented to a meeting of the American Heart Association.

Length of Publication:  1 page

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Acknowledgements: BBC

Partnering to reduce risks and improve cardiovascular outcomes

Source:  Circulation, 2009, 119 (2) p. 340-350

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Date of  Publication:  January, 2009

Publication Type:  Journal article

In a nutshell:  Describes a raft of American Heart Association initiatives and programmes to tackle cardiovascular disease.

Length of Publication:  12 pages

Some important notes: An NHS Athens username and password is required to access this article. Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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Acknowledgements: National Library for Public Health newsletter April 2009; American Heart Association.

The coronary heart disease national service framework: building on excellence, maintaining progress – progress report for 2008

Source:  Department of Health, 20th March 2009

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Date of  Publication:  March, 2009

Publication Type:  Report

In a nutshell:  Highlights the progress made in 2008 and looks at the future, which should see the development of cardiac services embedded into a wider vascular programme. Cardiac rehabilitation will be one of the areas of focus for the ongoing work programme.

Length of Publication:  23 pages

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Acknowledgements:  National Library for Public Health newsletter April 2009.

NHS Health Checks to begin in April

Source:  Department of Health, 31st March 2009

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Date of  Publication:  March, 2009

Publication Type: News item

In a nutshell:  Preventative health checks every five years will be offered to everyone in England age 40 – 74 years. It is hoped that these checks may help to prevent up to 1600 heart attacks and strokes each year.

Length of Publication:  1 page

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Acknowledgements: National Heart Forum weekly e-news briefing 1.4.09

Polypill: Is a single pill the answer to preventing stroke and heart disease?

Source: Blood Pressure Association, 31st March 2009

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Date of  Publication:  March, 2009

Publication Type: News item

In a nutshell: Reports on the results of research carried out in India, which indicate that a cheap five-in-one pill may safely and effectively reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease.

Length of Publication: 1 page

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Acknowledgements: National Heart Forum weekly e-news briefing 1.4.09