Coronary heart disease prevention and age inequalities: the first year of the National Service Framework for CHD.
BACKGROUND
The National Service Framework for Heart Disease sets national standards and defines service models for coronary heart disease (CHD). Little is known about the impact of this intervention on age inequalities.


OBJECTIVE
To determine the changes in the uptake of coronary prevention measures before and after the first year of implementation of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease, and to compare these changes in uptake of coronary prevention in patients aged 75 years and over with younger patients.


METHODS
Repeated cross-sectional survey using routinely collected data.


METHODS
Seventeen general practices in 17 primary care groups in the Trent Region.


METHODS
All registered patients at baseline and follow-up aged >/=35 years were categorised into three groups: those with either coronary heart disease or a history of stroke; those with diabetes or hypertension who were not in in the first group; and the remaining population. Data from electronic records was collected to show differences in the proportions of patients with coronary risk factors recorded in the previous year. Data was also collected about differences in the proportions of patients with adequate disease control measures.


RESULTS
Improvements were demonstrated in the recording of coronary risk factors and of disease control measures. However, compared with patients aged <75 years, older patients were significantly less likely to have a serum cholesterol level recorded at baseline; to be on lipid lowering drugs; to be on beta blockers post myocardial infarction and to have well controlled blood pressure. These differences persisted at follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
There have been substantial improvements in both the recording of coronary risk factors and disease control measures following the implementation of the National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease. However, there needs to be an effort to strengthen the focus on the care of older patients.
Hippisley-Cox
Julia
J
Division of General Practice, Nottingham University, UK. julia.hippisley-cox@nottingham.ac.uk
Pringle
Michael
M
Cater
Ruth
R
Coupland
Carol
C
Meal
Andy
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003925:Diabetic Angiopathies / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000517:prevention & control; D006973:Hypertension / Q000517:prevention & control; D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010375:Pedigree; D012307:Risk Factors
D000960:Hypolipidemic Agents