[Prevention in cardiovascular pathology].
National and international recommendations on the management of arterial hypertension and hypercholesterolemia suggest a treatment decision based on the evaluation of absolute cardiovascular risk. In order to evaluate the cardiovascular risk level, Anderson's equation (Framingham) has been proposed but does not apply to the French population. In medical practice, cardiovascular risk has to be appreciated according to the estimated cardiovascular risk of the country or area. The limits of a decision based on cardiovascular risk have been emphasized, particularly the balance age/life expectancy in respect of early prevention of atherosclerosis. However, the benefit of treatment of hypertension with beta-blockers, diuretics and recently ACE inhibitors and calcium antagonists or hypercholesterolemia with statins has been clearly stated--the higher the cardiovascular risk the higher the benefit. Secondary prevention in patients with major cardiovascular events is effective and necessary. The discussion concerns only primary prevention and from an economic point of view may concern patients at high cardiovascular risk. The general population have to be informed on cardiovascular risk factors, and patient education must be encouraged and developed via the healthcare network.
Chamontin
B
B
Service de Médecine Interne et d'Hypertension Artérielle, Pavillon Turiaf, Place du Docteur Baylac, 31059 Toulouse, France.
Amar
J
J
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D006937:Hypercholesterolemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006973:Hypertension / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors
D000959:Antihypertensive Agents