[Sensible Check-up examinations in general practice - General aspects with a focus on cardiovascular risk].

Sensible Check-up examinations in general practice - General aspects with a focus on cardiovascular risk Patient's desire for check-up examinations is common in primary care. Systematic (yearly) Check-ups for asymptomatic persons outside of the regular care by the own family doctor cannot be recommended based on the current scientific evidence. Check-ups offered in designated specialized centers show no benefit concerning morbidity and mortality and the risk of false positive results is substantial. On the contrary, there is scientific evidence that a Check-up at the own family doctor shows health benefits, since it is able to significantly improve cardiovascular risk factors. It also offers an opportunity for individualized, evidence-based prevention and counseling, for which there is no time during regular consultations concerning acute health problems. Recognizing the motives for the check-up (hidden agenda) and an individualized risk assessment, as well as advice on a healthy lifestyle, are central elements of a check-up at the family doctor. The check-up also offers an opportunity to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship, which is known to be associated with improved health. This article discusses the different components of a check-up consultation and introduces some useful tools, with a focus on cardiovascular screening.