Cardiovascular risk factor screening and follow-up in a military population aged 40 years and older.
OBJECTIVE
This study analyzed a worksite-based cardiovascular risk assessment offered to soldiers aged 40 and older to identify unrecognized cardiovascular risk and evaluate compliance with instructions to follow up for further evaluation.


METHODS
Participants had fasting blood tests, waist circumference and blood pressure measurement and a carotid artery duplex scan performed at their worksite. A healthcare professional discussed the participants' results with them and, if indicated, recommended follow up within the following one month.


RESULTS
Seventy-six (46%) of the 163 eligible soldiers agreed to participate. Twenty-nine (38%) of the 76 participants were instructed to follow up for elevated blood pressure, glucose, or lipids. Only 7 of 29 (24%) complied with follow-up instructions.


CONCLUSIONS
Voluntary worksite-based interventions can effectively identify soldiers with unmanaged cardiovascular risk factors, but a more aggressive follow-up strategy should be used to ensure these soldiers receive indicated medical intervention.
Flynn
Diane
D
Dept of Family Medicine, Madigan Army Medical Center, Tacoma, Washington, USA.
Johnson
Jeremy D
JD
Bailey
Cathy J
CJ
Perry
Jason T
JT
Andersen
Charles A
CA
Meyer
John G
JG
Cox
Nancy A
NA
D000328:Adult; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008887:Military Medicine; D008889:Military Personnel; D016272:Occupational Health; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States