Chile launches CV (cardiovascular) and adult health screening initiative:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
The Chilean health ministry has launched a national cardiovascular (CV) and adult health screening initiative aimed at detecting early signs of disease or increased risk. The "heart day-to-day" programme, launched in August as "the month of the heart", is at the centre of a wider campaign to highlight the importance of undergoing the adult preventive health examination (ESPA). This includes a range of tests (including blood pressure, cholesterolaemia and glycaemia) and risk-assessments (sexual health, cancer and CV disease). By the end of 2004, local healthcare units aim to achieve maximum coverage of adults, particularly in the 35-54 years range. CV disease is responsible for some 30% of all deaths in Chile.