GEP Medicine in Society Handbook 2019/20

3.7. Coronary heart disease - prevalence, impact and prevention

Aims

To introduce students to the pathophysiology of CHD, its impact on population morbidity and mortality, and the health promotion interventions used to try and reduce CHD.

Preparatory work

Before arriving at the placement students will have read the recommended reading - please start with the NHS choices website to get a quick overview of what CHD is, how it is diagnosed and treated and the impact it can have on patients' lives.  The primary care team play a vital role in prevention of CHD a summary of the guidance can be found here.  The British Heart Foundation website also has lots of information about CHD, its prevention and treatment.  Dr Dean Orrish, is an American physician working in the field of preventative medicine - click here to see his TED talk on diet and CHD.

Objectives

 By the end of the day, should be able to

• Explain the process of development of CHD
• Outline the impact of CHD on individuals and on population morbidity and mortality
• Describe key health promotion interventions to reduce morbidity and mortality due to CHD
• Discuss the impact of CHD on an individual patent
• Identify key policy documents relating to CHD

Suggested Activities

• Tutorial on the pathophysiology of CHD and the impact it has on the workload of the practice
• Review of the practice strategy for monitoring and managing patients with known CHD and at risk of CHD (NSF targets etc.)
• Observation of health promotion interventions aimed at preventing or reducing the risk of CHD
• Interview patient with CHD at home or at the practice
• Debriefing Tutorial