Cardiovascular Risk Assessment and Dynamic Monitoring-based Prevention Trial

The CRITICALLY study is a cluster randomized trial that will evaluate the effectiveness of a risk-based dynamic monitoring strategy for the primary prevention of cardiovascular high-risk Chinese adults.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a risk-based management strategy on cardiovascular risk scores (calculated by the 2019 WHO cardiovascular risk charts) in 24 months (Phase I) and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events in 60 months (Phase II). Totally 216 clinics in Yinzhou District, China will be randomized to the intervention or the control arms with usual care. The interventions supported by the web-based decision support system include (1) cardiovascular risk assessment, (2) dynamic risk monitoring, and (3) regular visits by the general practitioner every three months. Only usual care will be provided in the control arm. The primary outcome is the change in cardiovascular risk scores for Phase I and the incidence of the composite endpoint of coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure and all-cause mortality for Phase II. If the comprehensive strategy is proven effective, it could provide evidence for the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases using digital health technology.