The current management of cholesterol was re-examined at the end of December 2002. Nationally it has been decided to examine the treatment of patients aged 35-74 in order to get comparable figures for practices with populations of different age structure. The practice has also been concentrating on measuring and treating raised cholesterol in those aged under 75 years because treatment takes a number of years to be effective. We are aiming to ensure that everyone with ischaemic heart disease (heart attack or angina) or cerebro-vascular disease (stroke or mini stroke) has had a cholesterol measurement done and that cholesterol is at a level of 5 mmol/l or less.
There were 181 patients with ischaemic heart disease aged 74 or under.
There were 89 patients with cerebrovascular disease aged 74 or under
Discussion
The number of patients having their cholesterol checked and the number whose cholesterol is below the target level continues to increase but there is still some work to be done. We have not previously concentrated on cholesterol treatment in those with cerebro-vascular disease but we will do so in future. Patients are assessed at the time of reviews of medication and we will use these opportunities to ensure that cholesterol is being treated properly.