Low-threshold research to detect cardiovascular disease for the first time

The aim of the study is for every Dutch person between the ages of 50 and 75 to be able to test themselves at home for these disorders.

For example, the Dutch Heart and Vascular Association (DCVA), the Heart Foundation, the Kidney Foundation and the Diabetes Trust hope that the number of people with these disorders will drop by 25 percent. Similar population studies mainly exist for different types of cancers.

A home test will be sent to the participants. This consists of a urine test for kidney damage, a heartbeat test, and a questionnaire. In case of early signs of cardiovascular disease, kidney damage or type 2 diabetes, a follow-up examination will follow. If necessary, medications and appropriate lifestyle advice are given.

Prevent serious complications

Rebecca Abma-Schouten of the Heart Foundation says that in about 20 to 50 percent of people there are early signs of cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney damage and type 2 diabetes. If the stage is detected and treated, we prevent the development of serious complications such as kidney failure, stroke or infarction. myocardial infarction or heart failure.”

“Many people with type 2 diabetes also develop other chronic diseases within 10 years of diagnosis. The most common are cardiovascular disease (49 percent),” says Rains Vandeberg, MD, director of the Diabetes Trust.

Millions of Dutch

1.5 million people in the Netherlands have cardiovascular disease, 1.7 million Dutch people have chronic kidney damage and more than 1 million people have type 2 diabetes.