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Dorset pharmacies to find those patients at risk of
heart disease
Ten community pharmacies in Dorset are piloting a health
authority scheme to try to identify patients unaware that they are at
risk of developing heart disease.
Each pharmacy is to install a touch-screen computer
which patients can use to assess their risks by answering a series of
questions. The results can be printed and shown to suitably trained pharmacists
on siite, who will advise on lifestyle changes people can make to reduce
their risk, such as changing their eating habits, giving up smoking and
taking more exercise. If appropriate, blood cholesterol tests will also
be offered.
People who are found to be at high risk of illness
will be advised to see their family doctors.
Roger King, secretary of the Dorset local pharmaceutical
committee, said: “This is a quick, easy and painless way of picking up
people who may not realise that they are at risk of heart disease. It
is an attempt at primary prevention of heart disease and at early detection
of anyone who is showing signs of an unhealthy heart.”
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