Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain the main cause of death in the WHO European Region. This systematic literature review assesses whether systematic screening programmes for CVD risk factors and preclinical CVDs across general populations can lower the CVD burden in society. Based on several high-quality randomized controlled trials with large numbers of participants, the results clearly showed that screening for CVD risk factors has no effect on lowering CVD morbidity and mortality in society. Studies showed that screening for preclinical CVDs slightly reduces mortality and negative outcomes related to abdominal aortic aneurysm; however, these results may be outdated, as smoking has declined and treatment has improved since the studies were completed. Results on screening for atrial fibrillation and other preclinical CVDs have not yet been published. In summary, the current evidence indicates that screening for CVD risk factors does not reduce the CVD burden.
© World Health Organization 2021.