Run by Public Health Services in partnership with Guernsey Chest and Heart, the pilot scheme was conducted from September to December 2025, aiming to help islanders understand their health risks and gauge whether they may be at risk of cardiovascular disease by assessing key risk factors.
Tests revealed that 65 people had high blood pressure and were advised to see their doctor, while 107 were identified as having high cholesterol. Eight people were known to have started on medication as a result.
‘The results of the pilot programme are significant, showing that we are able to detect significant numbers of cases of previously undiagnosed cases of high blood pressure and high cholesterol,’ said director of public health Dr Nicola Brink.
‘If identified early, such risk factors for cardiovascular disease can be reduced or treated with lifestyle changes and medications leading to reduced future demand for more complex disease.’
The pilot also saw appointment attendees who were less likely to be registered with a GP and have health insurance than the average islander, suggesting that the initiative successfully targeted people who may generally have reduced access to health resources.
‘We’re really pleased with the outcomes of this pilot and proud to have worked alongside Public Health to deliver it.
‘It has shown that by taking cardiovascular risk detection into workplaces and community settings, we can reach people who may not otherwise access these checks and identify risk factors before they become something much more serious,’ said Guernsey Chest and Heart CEO Caroline Ogier.
‘People followed up with their GP, some started treatment, and many made positive changes to their lifestyle. That’s exactly what prevention is about – giving people the information, confidence and support to take control of their health before cardiovascular disease develops.’
With the pilot considered a success, Public Health and Guernsey Chest and Heart are now collaborating on a programme dubbed ‘ABCD’ – an extension of the pilot scheme that assess risk factors for cardiovascular disease for free.
The approach focuses on assessing atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.
The programme is intended to identify people with these clinical risk factors and subsequently provide guidance, including regarding when to seek further advice from a GP.
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