The Cardiovascular PIT-STOP® clinic offers a comprehensive approach to assessing and reducing cardiovascular risk, beginning with primary intensive treatment for individuals who want to understand their likelihood of developing heart disease and take proactive steps to reduce it. It also provides the secondary treatment optimisation programme for people who have already experienced a heart attack, undergone stent implantation, or had bypass surgery, and who wish to minimise the chance of further events or progression of their condition.The PIT-STOP® Programme brings these two strands together to support long-term heart health through prevention and optimised care. By focusing on both those at high risk and those already living with cardiovascular disease, the programme aims to lower risk, prevent disease progression, and improve outcomes through personalised lifestyle guidance and carefully adjusted medical therapy.Healthy living remains the foundation of heart protection. A balanced diet low in saturated fat, salt, and processed foods, together with regular physical activity such as walking, swimming, or cycling, helps strengthen the heart and improve circulation. Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and the risk of diabetes, while avoiding smoking and keeping alcohol intake moderate can greatly enhance long-term cardiovascular health and overall wellbeing.In addition to lifestyle changes, several medications are proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Cholesterol-lowering treatments such as statins remain the cornerstone of therapy, with additional options including ezetimibe, PCSK9 inhibitors, and inclisiran for those who need further cholesterol reduction. Blood pressure–lowering and heart-protective medications, such as ACE inhibitors and related agents, help safeguard the cardiovascular system. Newer therapies used for diabetes and weight management, including GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide (Mounjaro) and semaglutide (Wegovy), as well as SGLT-2 inhibitors, can improve both metabolic health and cardiovascular outcomes. Emerging treatments, such as low-dose colchicine for selected patient groups, are also being explored for their potential protective benefits.The Cardiovascular PIT-STOP® clinic is designed to identify the people most likely to benefit from this integrated approach, including those with early-onset heart disease, recurrent cardiac events, peripheral vascular disease, previous bypass surgery, or diabetes. The service combines thorough cardiovascular risk assessment, including clinical evaluation and state-of-the-art imaging where appropriate, with personalised optimisation of medication, tailored support for diet, weight management, and physical activity, and access to the latest evidence-based therapies. Its purpose is simple: to help every patient live well, stay healthy, and reduce their chances of future heart problems through a carefully coordinated blend of lifestyle support and advanced medical care.
