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Table 1 Example of a case (IS)

From: GPs' decisions on drug treatment for patients with high cholesterol values: A think-aloud study

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Information

1

The patient is a 67-year-old woman whose recent cholesterol value was 7.3 mmol/L. She has had the diagnosis hypercholesterolaemia for two years. She has been given advice concerning diet but she has not been prescribed a cholesterol-lowering drug. Her cholesterol value has decreased from an initial value of 7.8 mmol/L

2

The patient has been on medication for hypertension for 10 years (Seloken ZOC* 50 mg and Plendil** 5 mg). She is now on a visit to check her blood pressure and hypercholesterolaemia.

3

The patient has no other known diseases apart from osteoarthritis of her knees. Her mother suffered from hypertension and reached the age of 84 years.

4

The patient is a non-smoker. She very seldom drinks alcohol. She does not exercise on a regular basis but she is fond of taking walks.

5

Physical examination: Good general condition. A few kilograms overweight. Blood pressure 145/75. Heart and lung auscultation normal.

6

Laboratory values: Total cholesterol 7.3 mmol/L. LDL 5.4 mmol/L. HDL 1.2 mmol/L. Triglycerides 1.6 mmol/L. TSH, creatinine and liver-function tests were normal.

7

Would you prescribe a cholesterol-lowering drug for this patient?

Yes No