Detailed family information could help doctors better predict who is at risk and more accurately target patients for preventive care that may help avert the disease altogether, according to the study, due to be published Tuesday in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

WSJ: Seeking Clues to Heart Risk in a Patient's Family Tree

Mr Blair is unlikely to risk a political crisis over health, even if he has to pay dearly to avert it.

ECONOMIST: Public spending