Conclusions Interventions using physician reminders , using dedicated personnel to deliver screening , and provision of financial incentives were found to be effective in increasing CVD risk factors screening uptake
Background Cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) is the leading cause of death globally .
However , many individuals are unaware of their CVD risk factors .
The objective of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of existing intervention strategies to increase uptake of  CVD risk factors screening .
The impact of office cholesterol testing.
BACKGROUND The role of portable cholesterol analyzers in the identification and management of hypercholesterolemia is controversial . This study investigated the effect of free office cholesterol testing on screening behavior and on blood cholesterol reduction in a family practice center . METHODS After a baseline period of 5 months , an office cholesterol analyzer was made available for 1 year to two teams of patients and providers ( study group ) , but not to the other two teams ( control group ) . RESULTS The percentage of patients screened increased from 28 % to 52 % in the study group , and from 29 % to 42 % in the control group ( difference favoring study group , prevalence odds ratio = 1.47 , 95 % confidence interval [ CI ] = 1.33 to 1.62 ) . Compared with those whose cholesterol tests were sent to outside laboratories , patients screened with the office analyzer were younger ( mean age 36 years vs 42 years ) , and the barrier to those without insurance was reduced . There was no clinical ly or statistically significant effect on lowering cholesterol ( difference favoring study group = 0.01 mmol/L , 95 % CI = -0.15 to 0.17 ) . CONCLUSIONS The availability of free office cholesterol testing increased the prevalence of cholesterol testing , particularly for younger patients and those without insurance ; however , the testing had no discernible effect of motivating patients to lower their blood cholesterol levels
Conclusions Interventions using physician reminders , using dedicated personnel to deliver screening , and provision of financial incentives were found to be effective in increasing CVD risk factors screening uptake
Background Cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) is the leading cause of death globally .
However , many individuals are unaware of their CVD risk factors .
The objective of this systematic review is to determine the effectiveness of existing intervention strategies to increase uptake of  CVD risk factors screening .