Simple computer program accurately predicts individual risks of coronary heart disease

The risk of coronary heart disease in any individual is determined by an interplay of several risk factors. On p 101 Hingorani and Vallance describe a simple computer program to estimate individual risk of cardiovascular disease and effects of intervention. They compared predicted estimates with actual cardiovascular risk determined from randomised controlled trials of cholesterol reduction: the program accurately predicted baseline absolute risk as well as the relative and absolute reduction in risk from cholesterol lowering for primary prevention of coronary heart disease. The authors conclude that the program should help doctors implement guidelines and enable patients to make informed decisions.