Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: a practical evidence-based approach

Mayo Clin Proc. 2009 Aug;84(8):741-57. doi: 10.4065/84.8.741.

Abstract

Despite the fact that we possess highly effective tools for the primary and secondary prevention of myocardial infarction and other complications of atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease remains the most common cause of death in our society. Arterial inflammation and endothelial dysfunction play central roles in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and adverse cardiovascular (CV) events. Therapeutic lifestyle changes in conjunction with an aggressive multidrug regimen targeted toward the normalization of the major CV risk factors will neutralize the atherogenic milieu, reduce vascular inflammation, and markedly decrease the risk of adverse CV events and need for revascularization procedures. Specific CV risk factors and optimal therapies for primary and secondary prevention are discussed.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alcohol Drinking / therapy
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / mortality
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Coronary Artery Disease / complications
  • Coronary Artery Disease / therapy
  • Diet / adverse effects
  • Evidence-Based Medicine*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / therapy
  • Life Style
  • Male
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / therapy
  • Primary Prevention / methods*
  • Prognosis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Secondary Prevention / methods*
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Stress, Psychological
  • Survival Analysis
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / complications
  • Vitamin D Deficiency / therapy

Substances

  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3