The Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) Project: An 18 Year Review

Background: The Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) Project is a chronic disease risk factor surveillance, intervention, and research initiative aimed at combating the unacceptably high prevalence of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses in West Virginia. Objectives and Methods: The school-based public health project identifies health risk factors in children, educates families, informs primary care physicians, and provides resources to schools to help improve population health, beginning with children. Results and Conclusion: Details regarding methodology, results, and conclusions derived from this unique public health initiative that has screened over 200,000 children are the subject of this 18- year review.