Free heart health checks launch in Guernsey to tackle cardiovascular disease
- Free ABCD cardiovascular health checks launching 1 April through partnership between Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG and Public Health Services
- Programme screens for high blood pressure, cholesterol, irregular heartbeat and diabetes in residents aged 25-70
- Cardiovascular disease is second leading cause of death in Guernsey and Alderney, accounting for 26% of deaths
- Drop-in clinics will run at community locations including Guille-Allès Library and the Chest and Heart Centre
- 15-minute checks require no appointment or GP registration, with first clinics on 2 and 7 April
A new partnership between Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG and Public Health Services will launch a free cardiovascular disease prevention programme on 1 April.
The 'ABCD' initiative will offer checks to identify undiagnosed high blood pressure, high blood lipids including cholesterol, irregular heartbeat and diabetes – key risk factors for heart disease and stroke that often go unnoticed until serious illness develops.
The 12-month programme, costing £50,000, builds on a successful pilot run in late 2025 and will combine community outreach clinics with appointments at the Guernsey Chest and Heart Centre at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.
Cardiovascular disease remains a significant health challenge locally. The Guernsey Mortality Trends Report (2024) showed circulatory diseases accounted for 26% of deaths in Guernsey and Alderney, making it the second most common cause of death. The 117th Medical Officer of Health Report also highlighted the need for earlier detection of hypertension, particularly in underserved communities.
Deputy Dr George Oswald, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care, said: "Reducing cardiovascular risk is essential to improving islanders' long-term health. This programme reflects the Government Workplan's commitment to prevention and early intervention, and we're pleased to support this partnership with Guernsey Chest and Heart."
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health, explained the programme's approach: "Conditions such as atrial fibrillation, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart disease, stroke and dementia but they are often silent. Early detection of these risk factors gives people the chance to act before serious problems develop."
"Our ABCD approach: A for atrial fibrillation, B for blood pressure, C for cholesterol and D for diabetes, helps us identify those with these recognisable clinical risk factors and provide clear, practical advice to reduce that risk, including advising them to seek further advice from their GP. This programme empowers people to reduce cardiovascular risk by giving them the relevant information to make informed choices about their health," she added.
Caroline Ogier, Manager of Guernsey Chest and Heart Centre, emphasised accessibility: "We want to make these checks as accessible as possible. The ABCD programme is free for residents aged 25 to 70 who are not already receiving treatment for these conditions, and you don't need to be registered with a GP."
"We know not everyone finds it easy to access healthcare, so we'll be running drop-in clinics at the Chest and Heart Centre and in community locations such as the Guille-Allès Library and Norman Piette. We're actively reaching out to different groups to ensure we reduce as many barriers as possible," she said.
The check takes around 15 minutes, with nurses explaining results and next steps to participants.
The first drop-in clinics will take place at Guille-Allès Library on 2 April from 10:00-13:45 and at the Chest and Heart Centre at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital on 7 April from 9:30-14:00. No appointment or referral is required.
Further clinic dates and locations will be promoted on local radio and on the Guernsey Chest and Heart LBG website and social media at chestandheart.org.gg. For more information, contact the Guernsey Chest and Heart Centre on 01481 237261.
Q&A
Q: Who is eligible for the ABCD health checks?
A: Residents aged 25 to 70 who are not already receiving treatment for the conditions being screened. No GP registration is required.
Q: What does ABCD stand for in the programme?
A: A for atrial fibrillation, B for blood pressure, C for cholesterol and D for diabetes - the four key cardiovascular risk factors being screened.
Q: Where and when are the first clinics taking place?
A: Guille-Allès Library on 2 April from 10:00-13:45 and the Chest and Heart Centre at PEH on 7 April from 9:30-14:00. No appointment needed.
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