Secondary prevention of CHD.
BACKGROUND
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is still the single largest health problem for Australia. It is considered essentially preventable. Risk of future events is highest in those who already have manifest disease (secondary prevention) and hence are likely to benefit from aggressive therapy.


OBJECTIVE
This article explores issues of management of risk factors postacute myocardial infarction using a case vignette of a woman who consults her general practitioner after discharge from hospital.


CONCLUSIONS
The consultation allows the GP to reassess the patient's CHD risk factor management including lifestyle factors, and reinforce the need for lifelong use of proven secondary prevention drug therapies and participation in a rehabilitation program. Reflective learning from this case should assist the treating GP and her or his colleagues to help other patients avoid a similar fate.
Nelson
Mark R
MR
School of Medicine, University of Tasmania. mark.nelson@utas.edu.au
Tonkin
Andrew
A
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D008019:Life Style; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011315:Preventive Medicine / Q000379:methods*; D012307:Risk Factors
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors; D008055:Lipids; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors