CARDIOVASCULAR HORIZON SCANNING VOLUME 2 ISSUE 9

Australian study shows how to get best value from preventive measures

Source: University of Queensland, School of Population Health

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Date of publication: September 2010

Publication type: Report

In a nutshell: The University of Queensland, Brisbane, and Deakin University, Melbourne, have published an evaluation of preventive measures to improve health. The Assessing Cost Effectiveness (ACE) of Prevention Study aims to provide governments with a blueprint for investment in cost-effective prevention and the reduction of wasteful spending. It argues that huge health gains could be achieved by taxing unhealthy foods, imposing higher taxes on tobacco and alcohol, and limiting levels of salt in food such as bread, cereals and margarine, among other recommendations.

Length of publication: 122 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Combined impact of lifestyle-related factors on total and cause-specific mortality

Source: PLoS Medicine September 2010, volume 7 issue 9

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Date of publication: September 2010

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: This study involved 71,243 women who did not smoke or drink alcohol regularly. Their lifestyles were rated from 0 to 5, with points for taking daily exercise, eating fruit and vegetables and other factors. The study indicated that a relatively unhealthy lifestyle, scoring less than 4, contributed to 59% of cardiovascular deaths among the non-smoking, non-drinking participants. The results of the study therefore support the importance of overall lifestyle modification in disease prevention.

Length of publication: 11 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Is patient self-report an adequate tool for monitoring cardiovascular conditions in patients with hypercholesterolemia?

Source: Journal of Public Health, 2010, 32 (3) p. 387-394

Follow this link for the abstract

Date of publication: September 2010

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: The aim of this investigation was to determine the accuracy of patient self-reports of cardiovascular diagnoses. Patients with hypercholesterolemia in primary care centres in Germany were given self-report questionnaires, which were then compared with case report forms and medical records on cardiovascular diseases.

Length of publication: 8 pages

Some important notes: You will need an NHS Athens username and password to access this article. Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Telehealth comparison website launched

Source: E-Health Insider

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Date of publication: 20th September 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: Assisted living specialists Alvolution, in partnership with NHS West Midlands and the Joint Improvement Partnership, have launched a telehealth product comparison website to help trusts and local authorities choose the best telehealth products for their organisations. The site offers impartial reviews of technology, showing the aids that are available, how they compare and whether they are recommended.

Length of publication: 1 webpage

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: Alvolution

Will cardiovascular disease prevention widen health inequalities?

Source: PLoS Medicine August 2010, volume 7 issue 8

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Date of publication: 24 August 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: The authors, Simon Capewell of University of Liverpool, and Hilary Graham of University of York, discuss evidence that the strategy of screening, in order to identify patients at high risk of CVD, and then treating by encouraging lifestyle changes and medication, actually increases health inequalities. In comparison, legislation and wider public health strategies are less divisive and more effective.

Length of publication: 5 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement:  National Library for Public Health e-newsletter October 2010

Simplified Framingham model of coronary risk misdiagnosing millions

Source: British Journal of Healthcare Computing and Information Management

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Date of publication: 16th September 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: Reports on US research which cautions  that the Framingham model, when used in a simplified form as a points-based clinical tool, has been shown to significantly over-estimate CVD risk in many, and under-estimate in some. There is a risk that significant numbers of patients may have been under- or over-treated through having been incorrectly assessed. The original model, although more complex, is much more accurate, and should be used in preference to the points-based tool.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Cycling for the over-50s takes off in Swindon

Source: CTC – the UK’s national cyclists’ organisation

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Date of publication: September 2010

Publication type: News item

In a nutshell: Cycling sessions for the over-50s have been very successful at encouraging both beginners, and those with limited confidence or cycling experience, to enjoy cycling and continue with it. Sessions are free and are held weekly for 8 weeks, initially taking place on a safe, traffic-free, local athletics track.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

Acknowledgement: National Heart Forum e-news briefing 15.9.2010

Physical activity on referral in Blackpool

Source: NHS Blackpool

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Date of publication: September 2010

Publication type: Press release 

In a nutshell: The ‘Y Active’ physical activity on referral scheme has been launched in Blackpool, funded by NHS Blackpool and run by the YMCA. The scheme intends to offer a wide range of activities and locations, to engage people, especially inactive patients with existing healthcare conditions. The press release includes a link to a specimen referral form.

Length of publication: 1 web page

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS library if you cannot access the full text. Follow this link to find your local NHS library.

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