Self-referral multiple cardiovascular risk factor assessment - The Cardiff experience

Data are presented from the first 300 patients to attend a self-referral multiple cardiovascular risk clinic. Subjects completed a questionnaire on their family and past medical history. Their lipid profile, blood glucose and blood pressure were measured and pulse wave analysis was performed. The mean blood pressure was 150/90 mmHg. More than 62% of patients had plasma cholesterol >5 mmol/L. The mean body mass index was >27. Twelve new diabetics were identified. There was a significant correlation between augmentation index, measured using pulse wave analysis, and risk of a cardiovascular event as calculated using PRECARD software. A patient-held card has been developed to facilitate longer term follow-up.