Question

Assume that the chances of a patient having a heart attack is 40%. Assuming that a meditation and yoga course reduces the risk of heart attack by 30% and prescription of certain drug reduces its chance by 25%. At a time a patient can choose any one of the two options with equal probabilities. It is given that after going through one of the two options, the patient selected at random suffers a heart attack. Find the probability that the patient followed a course of meditation and yoga. Interpret the result and state which of the above stated methods is more beneficial for the patient.

Answer 1

Let E₁, E₂ , A be events defined as E₁ = treatment of heart attack with Yoga and meditation

E₂ = treatment of heart attack with certain drugs. 

A = Person getting heart attack.

P(E₁) = 1/2, P(E₂) = 1/2

P(A/E₁) = 40% - (40 x 30/100)% = 40% - 12% = 28% = 28/100

P(A/E₂) = 40% - (40 x 25/100)% = 40% - 10% = 30% = 30/100

By using Baye’s theorem, we have

The problem emphasises the importance of Yoga and meditation. 

Treatment with Yoga and meditation is more beneficial for the heart patient.