BMJ  2005;331 (17 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.331.7517.0-d

Primary prevention of CHD saves more lives than secondary

Between 1981 and 2000, primary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) may have saved about four times more lives than did secondary prevention in England and Wales. Using the IMPACT CHD mortality model, Unal and colleagues (p 614) found reductions in three major risk factors—smoking, high blood cholesterol concentration, and high blood pressure—saved about 45 370 lives, with 81% in people without CHD and 19% in patients with CHD. The authors argue that the government should shift the focus of its policy from secondary prevention to primary prevention.

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Relevant Article

Modelling the decline in coronary heart disease deaths in England and Wales, 1981-2000: comparing contributions from primary prevention and secondary prevention

Belgin Unal, Julia Alison Critchley, and Simon Capewell
BMJ 2005 331: 614. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

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Knowledge advances but wisdom lingers!

BM Hegde
bmj.com, 16 Sep 2005 [Full text]