Cardiovascular Health Initiative for Prevention (CHIP)

Cardiovascular Health Initiative for Prevention (CHIP) is a
community-based program that brings together local family physicians, public health representatives, volunteers, and community organizations to work as partners to promote and actively participate in the prevention of cardiovascular disease and stroke.

The goal of CHIP is to implement a peer health educator program of cardiovascular health awareness, including blood pressure monitoring, in communities throughout the Saanich Peninsula.

CHIP is made available, free of charge, to all adults in the community over the age of 40. It offers opportunities for enhanced multiple blood pressure monitoring and health promotion activities around modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke.

Cardiovascular disease and stroke are the leading causes of death in Canada. High blood pressure affects about 22% of Canadian adults and is a modifiable risk factor for heart disease, stroke and kidney disease. The prevalence of high blood pressure increases with age.
Despite efforts to overcome barriers to blood pressure monitoring and management, high blood pressure remains one of the most significant health problems facing Canadians.

Blood pressure can be challenging to monitor because of its natural fluctuations. Some patients have artificially elevated readings in their doctor's office if they are nervous or rushed, which can complicate
diagnosis and treatment decisions. Self-monitoring can also produce inaccurate readings, and results may not always be available to the doctor.

Inviting patients to have their blood pressure measured in a familiar community setting, with assistance from a trained volunteer, can overcome some barriers to effective monitoring and control of blood pressure. Accurate blood pressure readings taken at CHIP sessions, which are sent to family physicians, can ‘close the loop’ to ensure follow-up and treatment of participants, where appropriate.