The prevention of coronary heart disease in general practice

Four hundred and eighty-one (75 per cent) of the male patients between 35 and 55 years of age in a health centre group practice were screened for risk factors for coronary heart disease. An attempt was made to alter these factors and the effectiveness of the intervention was later assessed. We consider that where there is an attached health visitor a screening programme can be carried out as part of general practice without too great an increase in work-load for the general practitioner. The continued surveillance of those at risk and the alteration of the risk factors is more arduous. We think the assistance of the other health care professionals such as the area health education officer and dietician is essential in such a programme.