The aim of this training is for the learner to be able to understand what Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) is, be able to risk assess and manage a patient’s primary medication within General Practice. You will always adhere to your workplace protocols and policies; gain an understanding of what you will need to do and why, maintaining professional practices throughout.
Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Risk Assessment and Management in Primary Care
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- Average time to complete: 3 hours
- 100% online
- Downloadable resources included
- Free CPD-accredited certificate to evidence professional development
Cardiovascular risk is shaped by a combination of clinical, lifestyle and personal factors. Primary care teams play an important role in recognising those factors, identifying patients who may benefit from further assessment and supporting informed decisions about prevention and treatment.
This CPD-accredited online cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk assessment training course provides foundation-level learning for UK clinical staff working in general practice. It covers cardiovascular disease, thrombosis, atherosclerosis, CVD risk factors, QRISK, cholesterol and lipid profiles, primary and secondary prevention, statins and other lipid-lowering medicines.
- Builds understanding of cardiovascular disease and how atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis can affect the body
- Helps clinical staff recognise modifiable and non-modifiable CVD risk factors
- Introduces a structured approach to cardiovascular risk assessment in primary care
- Supports clearer conversations with patients about QRISK results and risk reduction
- Strengthens knowledge of cholesterol, lipid profiles and lipid-lowering treatment
- Reinforces the importance of prevention, monitoring and appropriate follow-up
What you will learn
- The main forms, causes and potential effects of cardiovascular disease
- How lifestyle, medical history, comorbidities and other factors influence CVD risk
- The difference between primary and secondary cardiovascular disease prevention
- How QRISK is used to estimate a patient’s 10-year cardiovascular risk
- The relationship between cholesterol, lipid profiles, atherosclerosis and CVD
- The principles of statin treatment, monitoring and other lipid-lowering medicines
Who this course is for
This online CVD risk assessment and management course is designed for clinical staff working in UK general practice and primary care, including:
- Practice nurses and nursing associates
- Clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians
- GPs, advanced practitioners and prescribing clinicians seeking a refresher
- Healthcare assistants involved in NHS Health Checks or cardiovascular prevention
- Staff supporting long-term condition and medication reviews
- Primary care clinicians developing foundation-level knowledge of CVD management
The course supports knowledge and understanding but does not qualify a learner to prescribe or manage patients beyond their professional scope.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis and arterial thrombosis
- Recognise important modifiable, non-modifiable and clinical CVD risk factors
- Explain the purpose of cardiovascular risk assessment and QRISK
- Describe how lifestyle changes can support primary and secondary prevention
- Interpret the main components of a lipid profile and their relationship to CVD
- Outline the principles of statin therapy, monitoring and escalation within primary care
Full course description
Understanding cardiovascular disease
The course introduces the cardiovascular system and the main conditions included under the term cardiovascular disease. It explores how atherosclerosis develops, how restricted blood flow can affect different parts of the body and how arterial thrombosis can contribute to heart attacks and strokes.
CVD risk factors and prevention
You will consider the clinical, lifestyle and personal factors that can increase cardiovascular risk, including smoking, blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, physical inactivity, family history and comorbidities.
The course also explores primary and secondary prevention, patient education and the role of lifestyle support in reducing the likelihood of an initial or recurring cardiovascular event.
Cardiovascular risk assessment and QRISK
The course explains why cardiovascular risk assessments are carried out and how QRISK can support an estimate of a patient’s risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years. You will consider the information used within a QRISK assessment, how the result may inform further discussion and why risk scores should be interpreted alongside clinical judgement and individual circumstances.
Cholesterol and lipid profiles
You will explore the relationship between cholesterol, lipoproteins, atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The course introduces HDL, non-HDL, LDL, triglycerides and cholesterol ratios, alongside the role of lipid testing in cardiovascular risk assessment and treatment monitoring.
Medication and ongoing management
The course introduces statins, including their purpose, mechanism of action, pre-treatment considerations, patient counselling and follow-up monitoring. It also gives an overview of other lipid-lowering treatments and medicines that may form part of secondary CVD prevention.
Assessment and certification
At the end of the course, you will complete an assessment to demonstrate your understanding of the topics covered. You will need to achieve a result of 80% or higher to pass. On successful completion, you will receive a certificate that can be downloaded or printed for your records.
Professional responsibility and scope
- This course is designed to support knowledge and understanding but does not in itself confirm competence.
- Competency should be assessed within your workplace
- Practice should align with local protocols, current guidance, and professional standards
- You are responsible for applying learning appropriately within your role
- Prescribing and medication changes must remain within the learner’s professional scope
- Risk scores should be considered alongside clinical judgement and individual patient circumstances
- Concerns or complex cases should be referred to an appropriately qualified clinician
Average time to complete
Approximately 3 hours, depending on your prior knowledge and experience. The course is fully self-paced, allowing you to complete it in stages. You can revisit any sections that you’re unsure of.
Course Content
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Can I buy this course for someone else?
Yes. To do this, register using their email address and the name they would like to appear on their certificate.
For example, you might know them as Kate, but they may need their certificate issued in their full birth name, Katherine. It’s best to check these details with them first.
Once the purchase is complete, they will receive the automatic course link by email.
Can I complete the course in my own time, and how long do I have to access it?
All of our online courses are self-paced, so you can complete them at a time that suits you. Your progress is saved at the end of each lesson, allowing you to return and continue later.
You will have six months from the date of enrolment to complete the course. After six months, the course will no longer be available.
Some courses, such as Basic Life Support, must be completed annually by clinical staff. A new course will therefore need to be purchased each year to ensure the training reflects the most up-to-date guidance.
Can I access the training material after completing the course?
Yes. The course materials are available to download during your access period, so you can keep a copy for future reference. Your course access will remain active for six months from the date of enrolment, after which the course will no longer be available.
Which payment methods do you accept?
We accept card payments via Stripe. You can pay using a debit or credit card (such as Visa or Mastercard).
When will I get my certificate?
As soon as you have passed the end-of-course assessment and achieved the required pass rate of 80% or more, your certificate will be available to download from the top of the course page.
Do you offer refunds if I no longer need the course?
Refunds may be available if you have not logged into your account.
Once you have logged in, you will have access to the course materials and downloadable content, and a refund will no longer be possible.
What should I do if I can't log into my account?
When registering, please make sure you enter the correct email address, as login issues are often caused by an incorrect email being used. It can help to copy and paste your email address to avoid mistakes.
If you are unable to log in, click ‘Forgotten password’ and follow the instructions to reset your password via the email link sent to you.
If you continue to experience issues, please contact GPHA-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk and we will endeavour to respond within two working weeks.
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Purchasing multiple licences for the same course?
- 5 or more learners, receive 10% off
- 10 or more learners, receive 20% off
To receive a discount code or discuss offers, email gpha-training@gphealthcarealliance.co.uk
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