Tackling cardiovascular disease (CVD) requires a cohesive, global approach. It requires the concerted efforts of governments, healthcare providers and professionals, patient groups and industry representatives towards CVD prevention. Delayed or missed detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease significantly increases mortality and healthcare costs,1-4 not to mention the profound impact on people’s quality of life, including on those who live with these conditions and their caregivers.5
To make early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease universally accessible, the Global Heart Hub, a global alliance of heart patient organisations, calls on policymakers to lead on efforts, driving change that integrates CVD prevention best practices into national healthcare strategies. Through the launch of the “Achieving early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease: A manifesto for change”, the organisation united voices across the cardiovascular landscape to reinforce the importance of early detection and diagnosis in reducing the burden of chronic disease, and improving societal well being and healthcare efficiency.
These actions aim to ensure that fundamental awareness, policies, research and clinical processes are in place, and that new opportunities are capitalised upon to achieve early detection and diagnosis of CVD. They are evidence-based and represent the consensus of patient representatives and policy, scientific and clinical experts and are in line with the World Health Organization goals of reducing premature mortality associated with non-communicable diseases, including CVD, by one third through prevention and treatment.
Here are the eight key actions focused on prioritising CVD prevention that can change the cardiovascular disease landscape:
- INFORM: Run public campaigns on the prevalence, causes, and symptoms of cardiovascular disease.By tailoring communications to different cultural groups and use diverse media for widespread reach, they empower individuals to monitor their cardiovascular health and seek timely medical advice.
- DETECT: Implement targeted early detection programs for cardiovascular disease at different stages of life, collaborating closely with patient organisations, medical societies and health authorities.
- TEST: Adapt clinical processes to enhance the early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, increasing access to testing in primary care and community setting.
- GO DIGITAL: Leverage digital technologies to increase access to the early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
- TRAIN: Optimise workforce training and capacity for the early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
- RESEARCH: Increase investment in research into the early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
- GUIDE: Advance policy development and international partnerships for the early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
- ACCESS: Promote equitable access to the early detection and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.
“The impact of late, delayed or missed diagnosis, places a huge burden on the patient and on their family, not least in terms of deteriorating health and quality of life but also in terms of financial and other strain due to work absences etc. Healthcare systems need to prioritise the necessity for early detection, early diagnosis and timely access to treatment so that patients can achieve the best possible outcomes. In doing so, it’s a win-win for everyone – patients, healthcare systems and society.”
Neil Johnson, Executive Director, Global Heart Hub.
Read the full report here.
Learn more about the Global Heart Hub here.
Explore further CarDiaLogue articles to follow up on examples of early CVD detection programs that have been successfully established and the adoption of strategic criteria to identify individuals considered at high risk of developing heart failure.
