DH continues to promote healthy living to prevent cardiovascular diseases in support of World Heart Day
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Cardiovascular diseases, including heart disease and stroke, are among the leading causes of death in Hong Kong and remain the world's number one killer. Last year, 10 111 registered deaths (provisional figures) were attributed to cardiovascular diseases, accounting for one-fifth (19.3 per cent) of all deaths. Of these, 65.1 per cent were due to heart disease.
"The main behavioural risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are smoking, insufficient physical activity, an unhealthy diet and excessive alcohol consumption. These risk factors can also lead to overweight, obesity, raised blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids. Notably, 80 per cent of premature deaths caused by cardiovascular diseases are preventable by controlling risk factors and practising heart-healthy behaviours", said the Controller of the Centre for Health Protection of the DH, Dr Edwin Tsui.
Major risk factors for cardiovascular diseases remain prevalent in Hong Kong. Surveys revealed that 83.9 per cent of persons aged between 15 and 84 had a salt intake exceeding the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limit of less than 5 grams per day. The prevalence of overweight and obesity, raised blood pressure, raised blood glucose and raised total blood cholesterol was 54.6 per cent, 29.5 per cent, 8.5 per cent and 51.9 per cent respectively. Although the Health Behaviour Survey 2023 showed that 14.8 per cent of adults did not meet the WHO's recommended levels of aerobic physical activity, an improvement was noted from the 24.8 per cent recorded in the Population Health Survey 2020-22.
The Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) promotes the Life Course Preventive Care Plan through District Health Centres/District Health Centre Expresses (collectively referred to as DHCs) and family doctors, in order to enhance public awareness on self-health management and disease prevention. Early identification and proper management of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, including HT, DM and hyperlipidaemia, are equally crucial. The Government launched the three-year CDCC Pilot Scheme in 2023, subsidising Hong Kong residents aged 45 and above with no known medical history of DM or HT to be paired with family doctors for DM and HT screening services in the private healthcare market. In March this year, the CDCC Pilot Scheme was expanded to cover blood lipid testing, achieving full coverage of the "three highs". Participants diagnosed with prediabetes, DM, HT or hyperlipidaemia after screening can proceed to the treatment phase and will be subsidised by the Government to continue their treatment with a family doctor of their choice, and subject to their health conditions, be provided with prescribed medication, a dedicated nurse clinic and allied health services. The CDCC Pilot Scheme reinforces the "Family Doctor for All" concept and expands the community healthcare network through the DHCs as resources hubs.
As of August 27 this year (halfway through its three-year pilot phase), over 150 000 citizens have already enrolled. It is expected that the target of having around 200 000 participants during the pilot period can be achieved earlier than expected. Approximately 91 600 participants (i.e. about 60 per cent) have completed the screenings and around 36 800 participants (i.e. 40 per cent) have been diagnosed with prediabetes, DM, HT or dyslipidaemia, and have proceeded to the treatment phase. For more details of the CDCC Pilot Scheme, members of the public may visit the dedicated website of the CDCC Pilot Scheme.
The theme for World Heart Day 2025 is "Don't Miss a Beat", emphasising the importance of protecting cardiovascular health and not overlooking any preventive measures. The Government will continue to promote healthy living among the public, and work closely with community partners to foster a supportive environment. For more information on healthy living, please visit the Change for Health website of the DH.
Ends/Monday, September 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 19:25
Issued at HKT 19:25
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