Primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: a practical evidence-based approach.
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.
O'Keefe
James H
JH
Mid America Heart Institute and University of Missouri-Kansas City, Missouri, USA. jhokeefe@cc-pc.com
Carter
Maia D
MD
Lavie
Carl J
CJ
D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000628:therapy; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D004032:Diet / Q000009:adverse effects; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D055502:Secondary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D016019:Survival Analysis; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3