Scotland has recently launched the Proactive and Preventative Care Cardiovascular Disease Directed Enhanced Service (PPC CVD DES) to address the rising burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and reduce preventable deaths. This initiative, effective from May 8, 2025, aims to identify individuals at risk, particularly those aged 35–60 who haven't had a CVD health check in the past three years, and provide early intervention to mitigate risks.

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a general term that includes diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. This includes stroke and conditions that affect the heart. For example, heart attack, heart failure or heart rhythm problems.

Key Features of the PPC CVD DES

• Comprehensive Health Checks: Patients will undergo assessments for blood pressure, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, blood sugar, and lipid levels.

• Risk Assessment: The ASSIGN v2.0 risk calculator will be utilized to evaluate cardiovascular risk. High-risk individuals will receive targeted interventions.

• Follow-up Care: Patients identified as high risk will be offered support and a follow-up appointment after six months.

• Prioritization of Deprived Areas: Given the higher mortality rates from CVD in Scotland's most deprived areas, patients from these regions will be prioritized.

• Innovative Delivery Methods: To engage individuals who may be disengaged from healthcare services, the program encourages innovative approaches, including group consultations and community outreach.

We will invite patients who have not been screened in the past three years for the following

• 1 High blood pressure
• 2 High lipids
• 3 High blood sugar
• 4 Obesity
• 5 Smoking

After the screening process has taken place we will calculate a risk score of you developing cardiovascular disease in the next 10 years. If your risk score is reaches a certain threshold and/ or one the above measurements is out with normal ranges we will offer you a consultation with a clinician to discuss the options going forward.

For further information on Cardiovascular disease click the link below

Cardiovascular disease | NHS inform