Secondary prevention of coronary heart disease (CHD) - QOF indicator

Secondary prevention of coronary heart disease

This QOF area addresses secondary prevention in patients with established coronary heart disease (CHD). For 2026/27, CHD005 carries 7 points and a 56–96% achievement range, assessing whether aspirin, another antiplatelet or an anticoagulant has been recorded as being taken in the preceding 12 months.

Ongoing management

Why CHD is included

CHD accounts for more premature deaths in the UK than any other single cause. Its management is supported by an established evidence base: implementing these indicators appropriately can lower the risk of CHD-related death and improve patients’ quality of life. The focus is on people who already have CHD.

CHD005: basis and requirements

CHD005 draws on NICE IND132.

Clinical rationale

NICE’s acute coronary syndromes guidance advises offering aspirin to everyone who has had a myocardial infarction, with clopidogrel offered instead when aspirin is contraindicated. For people with CHD or ischaemic stroke, clopidogrel provides equivalent protection to aspirin against subsequent cardiovascular events.

Reporting and verification

The criteria for meeting CHD005 are those specified in the indicator definition above.