Health gain through screening — Coronary heart disease and stroke: Developing Primary Health Care Services for People with Intellectual Disability

Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most common cause of death in the United Kingdom. People with an intellectual disability are especially prone to CHD and cardiovascular problems. Research in the United Kingdom has shown that people with intellectual disabilities do not access their general medical practitioners (GPs) as often as the rest of the population. Difficulties surrounding communication and low expectations mean that the processes of consultation, diagnosis and treatment are problematic. A process of health screening for people with an intellectual disability began in Birmingham early in 1995 to facilitate equal access to health services. One hundred and twenty people with intellectual disability accepted a health check, including an assessment of diet, smoking habits and alcohol consumption, relevant family history, physical activity levels, blood pressure, body mass index, urinalysis, and blood tests (including thyroid function and cholesterol). The results from these health checks provide evidence that identified individual risks to coronary heart disease/stroke, and shows the extent to which people with intellectual disability are more likely to present with obesity and to undertake significantly less exercise than the rest of the population. A variety of interventions was implemented and subsequent health gain was measured.