Project #35:
Impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is the main cause of death in England, accounting for one in four deaths. Risk factors for cardiovascular disease include non-modifiable factors (e.g., age, sex, family history, ethnic background) and modifiable risk factors (e.g., smoking, raised blood pressure and cholesterol). Assessing risk of cardiovascular disease and treating risk factors is very important to prevent heart attacks and strokes. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused substantial disruption to usual care in GP practices, particularly during lockdowns. It is possible that many patients with risk factors for cardiovascular disease have missed opportunities for GPs to assess their risk and take the necessary steps, including prescribing drugs, to reduce that risk. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on assessment and treatment of cardiovascular risk factors, particularly raised blood pressure and cholesterol.