Free health checks detect previously unnoticed high blood pressure and cholesterol
- 265 islanders attended free cardiovascular health checks during a four-month pilot project from September to December 2025
- 25 per cent were found to have high blood pressure and 40 per cent had high cholesterol, with many previously undiagnosed
- The pilot successfully reached people less likely to access regular healthcare, with highest attendance in community and workplace settings
- Up to 24 people may now be receiving treatment following the checks, and 51 per cent of those followed up made lifestyle changes
- An expanded ABCD programme is now being rolled out to check for atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes
A pilot project offering free cardiovascular health checks has successfully identified dozens of previously undiagnosed cases of high blood pressure and high cholesterol among Guernsey residents.
Public Health Services, working with Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG, delivered 265 appointments across 38 clinics between September and December 2025. The four-month pilot aimed to detect key risk factors for cardiovascular disease before serious illness develops.
The findings revealed that 25 per cent of attendees — 65 people — were found to have high blood pressure and advised to see a GP. A further 40 per cent, or 107 people, were identified as having high cholesterol and also referred for GP consultations.
At two-month follow-up, 53 per cent of those with high blood pressure and 43 per cent of those with high cholesterol had visited their GP. Among the 93 people followed up, eight reported starting medication as a direct result of issues identified during the pilot. Extrapolated across all attendees, this suggests up to 24 people are now receiving treatment and have a lower cardiovascular disease risk.
The pilot specifically targeted people less likely to access regular healthcare. Attendees were less likely to be registered with a GP, less likely to have health insurance, and had fewer GP visits in the previous year compared to data from the Wellbeing Survey 2023. The highest attendance was recorded in easy-to-access community and workplace settings.
Ninety per cent of attendees received brief lifestyle advice covering diet, weight, physical activity, smoking or vaping cessation, and alcohol consumption. Of those followed up, 51 per cent reported making lifestyle changes within two months.
The importance of reducing cardiovascular disease risk was highlighted in the 117th Medical Officer of Health Report, which identified helping 5,000 people lower their cardiovascular risk over the next five to 10 years as a priority, particularly in underserved communities. High blood pressure and high cholesterol often present no symptoms, meaning conditions frequently go unnoticed until they lead to heart attacks, strokes, or dementia.
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, said: "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. 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."
She added: "I am very grateful to Guernsey Chest and Heart for partnering with us to support this cardiovascular risk reduction programme. Reducing cardiovascular risk is essential to improving islanders' long-term health and this programme reflects the Government Workplan's commitment to prevention and early intervention. We look forward to our continued partnership as we work together to improve the health and wellbeing of islanders."
Following the pilot's success, Public Health Services and Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG are now delivering ABCD — a free prevention, detection, and early intervention programme. The expanded programme checks for undiagnosed high blood pressure, high blood lipids including cholesterol, irregular heartbeat, and diabetes.
The ABCD approach stands for atrial fibrillation, blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. The programme will identify people with these clinical risk factors and provide clear, practical advice, including when to seek further GP consultation.
Caroline Ogier, CEO at Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG, said: "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."
She continued: "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."
Q&A
Q: What is the ABCD programme?
A: ABCD is a free prevention, detection and early intervention programme that checks for undiagnosed atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes — all key risk factors for cardiovascular disease.
Q: How many people attended the pilot and what were the main findings?
A: 265 people attended across 38 clinics. Of these, 25 per cent had high blood pressure and 40 per cent had high cholesterol. Up to 24 people may now be receiving treatment as a result, and 51 per cent of those followed up made lifestyle changes.
Q: Who did the pilot successfully reach?
A: The pilot reached people typically harder to engage with healthcare services. Attendees were less likely to be registered with a GP, less likely to have health insurance, and had fewer GP visits compared to the general population data from the Wellbeing Survey 2023.
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