Improvements in cholesterol levels, BP linked to lower rate of heart disease deaths

Washington, May 12 (ANI): Deaths from coronary heart disease (CHD) fell by 35 per cent in Ontario between 1994 and 2005, thanks to improvements in both lifestyle factors and medical treatments, a new research has shown.

The results of the study suggest that improvements in cholesterol levels and blood pressure were responsible for about half of the reduction in deaths, while new medical and surgical treatments took credit for most of the rest of the decrease.

"Coronary heart disease remains the most common cause of death worldwide and generates a large economic burden. Rates of CHD mortality have decreased substan-tially over the last 3 decades," the authors said.

"Identifying the underlying factors associated with this decline is critical for planning future health policy, and pri-oritizing strategies for primary and sec-ondary prevention," they added.

Harindra C. Wijeysundera, of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and colleagues conducted the study.

The study has been published in the May 12 issue of JAMA. (ANI)