Plan ‘could cut heart attack deaths by 80%’

DEATHS from heart attacks or strokes could be reduced by 80% if high-risk patients were identified and treated early, a study has found.

An interim report on the Reduction of Heart Attack Through Prevention (RHASP) programme predicts its extension to 20,000 high-risk patients over a 10-year period would prevent more than 1,000 heart attacks and 500 strokes.

It also claims the programme, which includes the sharing of a common database between GPs and the Blood Pressure Unit at Beaumont Hospital, could be made available to all surgeries for less than €10,000. The 12-month pilot study, involving six general practices in north Dublin, recommends the greater use of drugs to reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels.