Patients 'unaware' of heart disease risk

Monday, 15 September 2003 12:00 AM

Britain is sitting on a 'heart disease time-bomb'. That's according to new research presented at the British Pharmaceutical Conference in Harrogate today.

The study by the Moss Pharmacy in Sheffield showed that nearly half of adults with high blood pressure who were tested for signs of heart disease were found to be at higher risk than previously thought.

That lack of awareness among patients is making it harder to combat cardiovascular disease, which is the UK's biggest killer.

The study, carried out in conjunction with local GPs and community pharmacists, was based on a random selection of patients under 70 with a history of high blood pressure. None of the participants had been tested for cholesterol the last three years.

A pharmacist then tested the person's blood pressure and cholesterol level, as well as carrying out a full cardiac risk assessment. 43% of those tested were found to be at high risk of cardiac disease and were then referred to their GP for further investigation.

The researchers have stressed that better awareness of risk among patients could cut deaths because at least 50% of heart disease is preventable.

Francois Joubert, a pharmacist and the lead researcher, noted: "Most people have no idea that they are at risk of coronary heart disease, and are unlikely to volunteer to be tested. Furthermore, they have no idea what the risk factors of heart disease are."

"The fact that so many people are living in ignorance means that Britain may be unwittingly sitting on a heart disease time bomb."

'The good news is that, with the right advice and by making small changes to lifestyle and habits, the risk of heart disease can be reduced," he added.

The pharmacists involved in the study helped patients by offering advice on healthy lifestyle, diet, weight loss, smoking cessation and on medical treatment.

The researchers would like to see more pharmacies take on such roles, as well as involving community pharmacies in heart monitoring programmes.

The Government aims to reduce the death rate due to coronary heart disease and stroke in people under 75 by at least 40% by the year 2010.

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