False logic in new UK screening plans.

摘要

Last week, the UK's Department of Health went on a screening spree. First it said that everyone aged 40-74 years would be offered checks for vascular diseases. Then it called for greater involvement of community pharmacists in this work. The checks will include family history, height, weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol measurement. Those checked would receive a risk report and advice to reduce that risk (eg, weight reduction, smoking cessation, or treatment with a statin or antihypertensive drug)