Abstract
A convenience sample of the population was screened for inclusion in a study of the effectiveness of a lipid lowering programme. Included in the study were adults 30-59 years of age with a S-Cholesterol of 6.50 7.79 mmol 1_1 at randomization, plus two previous values ≥ 6.50 mmol 1_1 at screening and selection, with at least two other cardiovascular risk factors. In total 447 persons were screened and 37 were randomized into the lipid lowering programme. The mean cost per randomized person was estimated at about SEK 7500 (Swedish Crowns). An analysis of different inclusion criteria for treatment was also carried out. The cost of finding a patient to treat in the clinical trial was estimated to be more than three times as high with a total cholesterol cut-off point of 7.80 mmol 1−1 compared with a cut-off point of 5.20mmol 1−1.