Primary and secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease: an old-fashioned concept?
OBJECTIVE
Is the concept of primary and secondary cardiovascular prevention an old-fashioned concept that needs to be re-defined?


METHODS
Discussion paper.


RESULTS
Cardiovascular prevention means reduction of absolute risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), irrespective of clinical stage.


CONCLUSIONS
For the calculation of an individual probability to develop CVD all factors that contribute to the risk must be taken into account, including previous CVD events.
van Venrooij
F V
FV
Julius Center for General Practice and Patient Oriented Research, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Stolk
R P
RP
Banga
J D
JD
Erkelens
D W
DW
Grobbee
D E
DE
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects