Cardiovascular related diseases such as heart disease and stroke are 40% higher in Salford than the National average. Despite a reduction in cardiovascular related diseases for majority indigenous groups, Caribbean and African people are twice more likely to suffer higher rates of morbidity and mortality from CVD. They are also more likely to develop CVD related risks factors such as hypertension (high blood pressure) Atrial fibrillation (irregular heart rate which can lead to stroke) diabetes and high cholesterol 10 years earlier (Banerjee, 2009).

There are several challenges to the Caribbean and African community that impact upon the prevalence of CVD leading to poorer outcomes. The conditions that create higher rates of CVD can include the way in which people experience the external and internal factors impacting upon their lives. This programme recognises that the issues below will have a bearing upon CVD outcomes. These include:

• How the risk factors for cardiovascular disease are managed such as high blood pressure
• The Cultural and religious aspects
• High Blood pressure exacerbated by stress, anxiety, lack of sleep etc.
• Lifestyle – e.g. high-risk diet and lack of physical activity
• Socio-economics – unemployment, housing conditions

KASO is a targeted cardiovascular programme developed to raise awareness and offer health screening for the Caribbean and African community in Salford. This includes health prevention, treatment and management information delivered by specialist and expert practitioners in the health sector.

This programme delivers knowledge about CVD related conditions in a culturally and religiously appropriate way to ensure that it is understood and meaningful to this community. The tailored evidence-based knowledge around CVD prevention and management aims to empower individuals so that they can be equipped with information and take responsibility for their health and wellbeing. We recognise the benefits of working collaboratively with our stakeholders to develop a programme that is of use not only to the individual, but also to the wider society.

During this programme, we aim to train dedicated health ambassadors and develop tailored resources so that Caribbean and African people continue to have access to knowledge and screening opportunities that ultimately reduce the prevalence of CVD in this community.

For further information email: kaso@cahn.org.uk or telephone: 07312 082832