The nationwide systematic prevention of cardiovascular disease: the UK's health check programme.

High-income countries have witnessed marked reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) in recent years. Aging populations, however, maintain CVD as a major threat to public health and health system's financial stability. England has commenced on a population-wide screening and prevention program for CVD, the NHS Health Check program, the first national program of its type. We outline the program, its implications for public health and primary care, potential threats to the program, and its implications for the US health system. We conclude that the universal approach adopted contains a number of risks and uncertainties. The program's ongoing evaluation is vital and will provide internationally valuable data.