Pop-Up Cardiovascular Screening Within Community Pharmacies and an International Sporting Event.

Abstract

Background: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. However, screening for cardiovascular risk at a population level remains challenging due to variable uptake and compliance.

Objectives: This study investigated an opportunistic pop-up approach to community screening for cardiovascular risk and the differences in captured populations according to screening station location and day and time of screening.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over a 7-week period using a participant-operated health station that recorded demographic characteristics, lifestyle factors, medical history, and engagement with health care. Stations were placed in 311 community pharmacies and a stadium during an international sporting event. The primary outcome was prevalence of an uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factor, defined as elevated blood pressure readings, elevated body mass index, or active smoking.

Results: A total of 76,085 participants were screened: 68,345 (89.8%) participants at pharmacies and 7,740 (10.2%) at the sporting event. There were 34,430 (45.3%) participants aged ≥45 years, and 39,957 (52.5%) were male. A total of 52,453 (68.9%) participants met the primary outcome: 37.2% had elevated blood pressure readings, 60.5% elevated body mass index, and 12.1% were smokers. Higher rates of the primary outcome were observed at the sporting event compared with pharmacies. Among community pharmacy participants, increased rates of uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors were observed in rural pharmacy locations and during weekday and daytime screening.

Conclusions: Uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors were prevalent during opportunistic pop-up community screening, with higher rates observed at the sporting event, rural pharmacies, and during weekday and daytime screening.