Computerized general practice databases provide quick and cost-effective information on the prevalence of angina pectoris.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of angina pectoris (AP) using self-reported information and primary care databases.


METHODS
A comparison between the prevalence of AP in 730,586 subjects from the Health Search Database (HSD) and 119,799 individuals from a Health Interview Survey (HIS) was performed. The age-specific prevalence was calculated by dividing the detected cases by the total number of individuals in each age group. The age-standardized prevalence was estimated by direct standardization performed using the Italian standard population.


RESULTS
The HSD reported a higher crude prevalence of AP than the HIS, both in males (1374/100,000 vs 1006/100,000) and females (1449/100,000 vs 1007/100,000). In the HSD the age-specific prevalence was lower for patients aged <65 years, whilst higher estimates were reported for older patients. Age standardization slightly reduced the prevalence in both samples, although the HSD always reported higher estimates.


CONCLUSIONS
Prescription data from general practice databases may be a valid, simple, and cost-effective method to evaluate and serially monitor the prevalence of AP.
Filippi
Alessandro
A
Italian College of General Practitioners, Florence, Italy.
Vanuzzo
Diego
D
Bignamini
Angelo Antonio
AA
Sessa
Emiliano
E
Brignoli
Ovidio
O
Mazzaglia
Giampiero
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000787:Angina Pectoris / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000191:economics / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001330:Electronic Data Processing / Q000191:economics*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D017678:Sex Distribution