METHODS

Design:

cost effectiveness study using a Markov model developed from a randomised {allocation concealed*}†, blinded {patients, clinicians, data collectors, and outcome assessors}†,* placebo controlled trial with mean 5 year follow up (Heart Protection Study [HPS]).

Setting:

69 UK hospitals.

Patients:

20 536 patients 40–80 years of age with total cholesterol concentrations ⩾3.5 mmol/l (135 mg/dl) and history of coronary disease, cerebrovascular disease, other occlusive arterial disease, diabetes mellitus, or treated hypertension (in men ⩾65 y). Within the HPS, patients were divided into 5 similar sized groups by estimated 5 year risk of a major vascular event (12%, …