ABSTRACT
The incidence of coronary heart disease in the UK is among the highest in the world. The mortality rate from coronary heart disease is higher in Scotland than in the south of England, and higher in people of lower socio-economic class. Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease constitute a large part of the work in primary care. Childhood obesity increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in adulthood. Cardiovascular prevention is more likely to be successful if children are taught about healthy lifestyles. Children have sexual health education lessons in school. A GP and/or practice nurse, together with staff interested in obesity and diet, exercise, and smoking, could join forces, possibly with suitable lay people who may be patients of the practice, to provide ongoing leadership and support to patient self-help groups. Effective risk-factor clinics depend on patients' understanding of the principles of prevention. They should understand the impact that they can make on their future.
