Putting prevention into daily practice

The future holds promise for expanding preventive therapies to reduce cardiovascular risk. These preventive concepts are supported by sound science and strong evidence from multiple randomized clinical trials. To be successful, the health care system must continue to provide financial resources to support physicians and other health care providers in preventive cardiovascular efforts. In the long run, this support should result in a decrease in the need for expensive high-technology, acute-care interventions. Health care provider teams involving physicians, nurses, and other providers will be necessary to ensure the success of these measures, and they must be integrated into the expanding network of inpatient and outpatient delivery systems. Finally, programs to train fellows, residents, and medical students in preventive skills will provide the basis for expanded application of cardiovascular risk therapies and contribute to the ultimate widespread success in decreasing the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease.