Baseline assessment of patients at high risk of cardiovascular disease taking part in a preventative behaviour change
programme
Presenter: JT Treanor, Irish Heart Foundation
Other Authors: Janis Morrissey; Irish Heart Foundation; Professor Walter Cullen, John Broughan, University College
Dublin
Funder: Health Service Executive
Introduction
The HSEs Chronic Disease Management programme entitles individuals at high risk of chronic disease to an annual
GP and nurse visit. The Irish Heart Foundation has designed and delivered a lifestyle behaviour change pilot for highrisk
patients in disadvantaged communities. The initial phase of the project aimed to assess patients’ risk and health
behaviours.
Method
Five general practices (GP) in disadvantaged areas were recruited. Patients at high risk of developing heart disease
or stroke were recruited by the GP practice. Clinical baselines were taken by the practice nurse. Health behaviours
and knowledge were assessed by the practice nurse or health promotion professional using a custom designed
questionnaire.
Results
Sixty-five participants took part in the study with an average age of 58.3years. BMI calculations showed 75.4% were
obese. 86.2% waist circumference scores indicated increased risk of CVD. 78.4% of participants had high blood
pressure. 32.3% had unhealthy LDL cholesterol. The average Q-Risk ‘Healthy heart age’ was 64.24yrs ± 9.4, 6 years
older than the sample’s average age. 83.1% reported achieving no moderate intensity activity in their week.
91% of participants would like to live a healthier lifestyle, 76.9% stating they are moderately/ highly confident that
they could change their health behaviours. Participants yielded a high ‘Readiness to change’ score of 8 out of 10.
Discussion
A lifestyle behaviour change programme based in the community GP’s is effective at recruiting individuals that are in
need and receptive to supports in changing lifestyle behaviours.
Practical Implications
The Chronic Disease Management Programme provides a gateway for the recruitment of individuals at high risk of
cardiovascular disease to a preventative behaviour change programme to reduce the risk of disease in the future.
Contact email: jtreanor@irishheart.ie
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