Which of the following interventions is classified by WHO as a 'Best Buy' for prevention and control of cardiovascular diseases?
- A Annual electrocardiographic screening of adults above 40 years
- B Excise tax increase on tobacco products ✓
- C Individual dietary counselling of hypertensive patients
- D Vitamin and antioxidant supplementation in high-risk groups
Correct answer: B. Excise tax increase on tobacco products
Explanation
WHO's list of Best Buys includes highly cost-effective population-wide measures such as tobacco taxation, smoke-free legislation, salt reduction and elimination of industrial trans fats. Tobacco excise tax reduces consumption while generating revenue, making it the flagship Best Buy for CVD prevention. Individual counselling and supplementation are far less cost-effective, and routine ECG screening has no evidence of benefit in asymptomatic adults.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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