Health Screening NZ & CardiAction – Transforming Cardiovascular Risk Screening in New Zealand Pharmacies
Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of preventable death in New Zealand, yet many people remain unaware of their risk. Traditional screening methods often require GP visits, blood tests, and long wait times, making it difficult for individuals to take proactive steps in managing their heart health.
To improve access to cardiovascular risk screening, Health Screening NZ partnered with CardiAction and Green Cross Health pharmacies to introduce a comprehensive, pharmacy-based cardiovascular screening service. This service combines CardiAction’s advanced risk assessment algorithm with the Uscom BP+ machine, providing a 20-minute, non-invasive, and highly accurate heart health assessment.
To increase accessibility, CardiAction is also available as an online screening tool, allowing individuals to complete a quick1–2minute self-assessment and determine whether they should book an in-pharmacy screening for a more detailed cardiovascular risk evaluation.
Key Results:
Thousands of in-pharmacy screenings completed since launch.
83% of participants identified as moderate or high risk, highlighting the need for early intervention.
33%of high-risk individuals referred to a GP for follow-up care.
Strong return rate, with participants coming back for ongoing risk monitoring.
Community engagement rating of9/10, reflecting strong public trust and demand.
Why Cardiovascular Screening in Pharmacies is Critical
1. A Growing Cardiovascular Health Crisis
Cardiovascular disease is responsible for over one-third of all deaths in New Zealand, yet many people remain undiagnosed until a major heart event occurs. Early screening is crucial for identifying at-risk individuals before symptoms appear.
2. Barriers to Traditional Cardiovascular Screening
Many New Zealanders do not undergo cardiovascular screening due to:
- Limited access to GPs, especially in rural areas.
- Time constraints, with many unable to schedule medical appointments.
- Reluctance to undergo invasive testing, such as blood draws.
3. The Role of Pharmacies in Preventive Healthcare
Pharmacies provide a trusted and convenient setting for preventive health services. By integrating CardiAction and the Uscom BP+ machine, pharmacies can now offer a quick, non-invasive, and highly accurate heart health assessment, making cardiovascular risk screening more accessible than ever.
How CardiAction & the Uscom BP+ Machine Work Together for Comprehensive Screening
1. Pharmacy-Based Screening (20-Minute In-Depth Assessment)
- CardiAction is integrated into the Health Screening NZ pharmacy screening service, which includes:
- A full cardiovascular risk assessment using the Uscom BP+ machine.
- CardiAction’s advanced risk algorithm, assessing six key biometrics.
- Personalised results and recommendations, including GP referrals where necessary
1. Online Screening (1–2Minute Quick Check)
For those unsure whether they need a full assessment, CardiAction is available online a s a quick 1–2 minute risk indicator tool. This allows users to:
- Get a preliminary cardiovascular risk score.
- Determine whether they should book an in-pharmacy screening for a more detailed assessment.
- Take immediate action to improve their heart health based on their results.
By offering both online and in-pharmacy screening options, CardiAction makes cardiovascular risk assessment accessible to all New Zealanders. Implementation & Expansion with Green Cross Health
Step 1: Initial Rollout in Green Cross Health Pharmacies
Green Cross Health was the first major pharmacy group to integrate CardiAction,launching the comprehensive cardiovascular screening service across 100+ pharmacy locations. With thousands of screenings already completed, demand continues to grow as more pharmacies introduce the service.
Step 2: Nationwide Expansion & Growing Public Demand
Due to high engagement and strong community response, Health Screening NZ is expanding the program to more pharmacy locations across New Zealand. The high return rate suggests that customers value ongoing cardiovascular risk monitoring aspart of their personal health management.
Step 3: Patient Education & Referral Pathways
Participants receive a detailed cardiovascular risk assessment, guiding them on their next steps:
- Low Risk:Encouraged to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.
- Moderate Risk:Advised to monitor key risk factors and consider lifestyle
- High Risk:33% of high-risk participants referred to a GP for further evaluation
