METHOD: Adults with first recorded breathlessness between 1997 and 2010 and no prior diagnostic or prescription record for IHD or a respiratory disease 'exposed' cohort were matched to individuals with no record of breathlessness 'unexposed' cohort . ...With careful assessment, appropriate intervention, and proactive follow up and monitoring, there is the potential to improve identification at first presentation in primary care in those at high risk of future disease who present with this symptom....