Coronary Heart Disease

Abstract

Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the most important cause of death and the single biggest cause of premature death in modern industrialized countries (Lorimer, 1997). It accounts for up to 28 per cent of all deaths in the United Kingdom (UK) (Office of Health Economics, 1992). A government action plan for tackling poor health and improving health specifically highlights the need to reduce the death rate from CHD (Department of Health [DOH], 1999). Several modifiable risk factors for CHD are well-recognized and healthcare professionals have an important role to play in its prevention, as well as, the diagnosis and management of the disorder (Lindsay and Gaw, 1997). The National Service Framework for CHD (DOH, 2000) reaffirms the government’s eagerness to tackle the problem. The purpose of the framework is to transform the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of CHD. It is viewed as a means of helping professionals to give better, fairer and faster care everywhere. It is quite important that prevention is seen as a significant measure to be adopted (standards three and four) if heart disease is to be reduced in the population as a whole (standards one and two).