Research Timeline - the 1990s

Physical activity and the heart

Since the 1970s various studies have supported the benefit of vigorous exercise in protecting against coronary heart disease.

But more recently, in the 1990s it has been conclusively demonstrated that physically active people have a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.

This can be effective with 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity such as walking on at least five times a week.

Stent development improves patients' long-term outcomes

Arteries widened by angioplasty sometimes become narrowed again soon afterwards in some patients.

Tiny wire mesh tubes, or stents, were developed to help stop this happening. The stent is inserted at the widened part of the artery and holds it open by acting as a mini-scaffold.

Antiplatelets

Aspirin has been used since the 1980s for patients at increased risk of clots forming in blood vessels, thereby reducing the risk of heart attack when given to patients with coronary heart disease.

Recently other antiplatelet drugs have been introduced which appear to have slightly fewer side effects than aspirin.

Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors have often shown to be of benefit for high risk patients by preventing sudden re-narrowing of the coronary artery after angioplasty.

Cholesterol levels and coronary heart disease

The powerful relationship between cholesterol concentrations and the incidence of coronary heart disease was confirmed in the 1980s, followed by evidence that lowering blood cholesterol levels can reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease.

The lack of strong evidence from large studies produced some scepticism, but the randomised controlled trials of the 1990s showed that lipid-lowering with diet and drugs reduced mortality and morbidity for coronary heart disease.

Automated external defibrillators

After a cardiac arrest, prompt action is essential in saving lives. Automated emergency defibrillators (AEDs) are small, safe, simple and lightweight with two pads that can be applied to the patient who has collapsed following a cardiac arrest.

The defibrillator records and analyses the rhythm and, if necessary instructs the user to deliver a shock using clear voice prompts, reinforced by displayed messages.

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