Changing goals and guidelines

Abstract

The Joint British Societies guidelines on the prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) are being revised. Target populations will be patients with any symptomatic presentation of atherosclerotic disease, whatever the vascular territory. The first-degree relatives of patients with premature cardiovascular disease also need to be targeted. Third, individuals at high multifactorial risk of developing cardiovascular disease need to be targeted.

New risk prediction charts are being produced. Patients with a cardiovascular risk of ≥ 20% over 10 years (equivalent to a CHD risk of 15% over 10 years) will require investigation and treatment to blood pressure and lipid targets. Those with a cardiovascular disease risk below this threshold require lifestyle advice.