A Short Guide to Screening for Individuals at Increased Risk of Developing Cardiovascular Diseases and Type 2 Diabetes – Version 1.0

As work progresses on a harmonized EU approach to health checks under the EU Safe Hearts Plan, JACARDI has published its Short Guide for Screening. The document provides practical, evidence-based recommendations to support the organization and implementation of effective screening activities across Europe. It is intended as a quick, accessible reference for public health professionals, policymakers, and other stakeholders involved in planning, designing, or evaluating risk assessment and screening approaches for cardiovascular disease and Type 2 diabetes. The guide was developed by lead authors William Leysen of Diabetes Liga (Belgium) and Hanna Tolonen, Director of Research and Development at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), together with a wider team of JACARDI experts.

Authors: William Leysen, Alessandra Cardinale, Alexandra Cucu, Aurélie Lampaert, Beatrice Formenti, Benedetta Armocida, Benedetta Marcozzi, Carmen Angheluta, Claudia Dima, Claudia Giacomozzi, Eeva Rantala, Fanny Monet, Giovanni Calcagnini, Hanna Elonheimo, Jelka Zaletel, Jill Farrington, Jorik Vergauwen, Krista Kruja, Laura Paalanen, Luigi Palmieri, Massimiliano Petrelli, Mattei Eugenio, Paola Santalucia, Petry Milos, Roberta Papa, Ruth Verdegem, Sue Cohen, Tsvetalina Tankova, Hanna Tolonen

Abstract:

The aim of this short guide, developed within the framework of the Joint Action on Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes (JACARDI), a European Joint Action co-funded by the EU4Health Programme, is to provide an overview of approaches for identifying individuals or segments of the population at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) or Type 2 diabetes (T2D). These approaches may include population-level monitoring, individual risk assessment, population segmentation, and also screening. When appropriately designed and implemented, such approaches can support primary prevention efforts by helping to target interventions that tackle harmful risk factors and encourage protective factors.

While not all risk assessment methods constitute formal screening programmes, they may still inform policies and practice. For instance, individual-level risk assessment can support clinical decision-making, whereas population-level stratification can guide broader public health strategies. In some cases, risk identification may also facilitate earlier diagnosis, provided that it is linked to follow-up, diagnosis and treatment pathways. However, any assumptions about improved health outcomes must be supported by evidence, and should consider the full pathway from identification to intervention.

This guide is intended as a quick reference, summarizing key concepts related to the use of risk assessment and stratification approaches in the context of CVD and T2D prevention, the focus being on primary prevention within a public health framework. For comprehensive discussions and detailed guidance on specific screening programmes, readers are encouraged to consult additional sources listed in this document.

Source:

Short Guide for Screening Individuals at Increased Risk of Developing CVDs and T2D