Using evidence-based medicine to deliver cost-effective care in CHD

Abstract

T here is overwhelming evidence from studies that antihyperlipidaemic drugs are effective in coronary heart disease (CHD) prevention, even though there are many controversies associated with their use. This evidence, although not based on prospective outcomes research under real-life budgetary conditions, has led to the development of treatment guidelines for the prevention of CHD. At the inaugural European conference of the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research [ Cologne, Germany; December 1998 ], Dr Karl Lauterbach from the University of Cologne, Germany, outlined a prospective study that aims to help sickness funds decide, under realistic conditions, who should receive statin therapy. Meanwhile, even though evidence-based CHD prevention guidelines are available, the potential for preventive CHD care is not being fully realised by physicians and patients in everyday clinical practice, according to the results of the EUROASPIRE* study.