Evaluation of the RCGP report on the prevention of arterial disease.

For this pilot study 349 patients aged between 20 and 64 years were seen following their consultations with their own general practitioners. The recommendations of the recent RCGP report on the prevention of arterial disease in general practice were carried out. An average of seven minutes was spent with each patient. A considerable number of patients had risk factors for arterial disease; 25 per cent of the sample were smokers, 32 per cent were obese and 15 per cent had a single blood pressure reading greater than 150/90. Two new cases of diabetes were discovered.Case-finding for risk factors for arterial disease, as recommended in the RCGP report, was considered worthwhile but might be most effectively carried out by a suitably trained practice nurse.