Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease

: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States and worldwide. Prevention of cardiovascular disease is an achievable goal. A rigorous 2010 analysis by the World Health Organization suggests that reducing risk factors in young adults and maintaining an optimum risk profile through age 50 could prevent 90% of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events. Misinformation and poor implementation of proven preventive strategies, misplaced fears of medications, or incorrect understanding of ideal dietary and lifestyle choices all contribute to poor risk profiles. Every patient deserves an individualized prescription for cardiovascular disease prevention incorporating strategies to control modifiable cardiovascular risk factors.