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Published on: September 26, 2018

Cardiovascular disease: strategies for risk assessment and modification

Lynne T Braun1

  • 1Preventive Cardiology Center; Associate Professor, College of Nursing, Rush University, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. lynne_t_braun@rush.edu

The Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing
|February 13, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Silent myocardial ischemia, a condition affecting millions, indicates poor prognosis for cardiovascular disease. Early detection of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and risk factor modification are crucial for prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the US.
  • Silent myocardial ischemia affects millions, posing a poor prognosis.
  • Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis assessment aids long-term risk identification.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the significance of silent myocardial ischemia.
  • To discuss the role of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in risk assessment.
  • To emphasize comprehensive cardiovascular risk factor modification.

Main Methods:

  • Review of traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Discussion of risk assessment strategies for coronary artery disease.
  • Emphasis on guideline-based risk reduction interventions.

Main Results:

  • Silent myocardial ischemia is a significant predictor of poor outcomes.
  • Novel factors like lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, and CRP enhance risk assessment.
  • Risk modification strategies include lifestyle changes and medical management.

Conclusions:

  • Early identification of silent myocardial ischemia and subclinical atherosclerosis is vital.
  • Aggressive modification of risk factors is essential for primary and secondary prevention.
  • Clinician knowledge of national guidelines maximizes cardiovascular risk reduction.

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