National Heart Center/Saudi Heart Association 2025 Guidelines for Cardiovascular Diseases Prevention and Risk...

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) represent a significant health challenge in Saudi Arabia.
• Local epidemiological data and healthcare needs necessitate tailored prevention and management strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an evidence-based clinical guideline for CVD prevention and management.
• To adapt international recommendations to the specific context of Saudi Arabia.

Main Methods:

• A multidisciplinary task force synthesized evidence from literature reviews.
• International guidelines, particularly the 2021 European Society of Cardiology recommendations, were adapted.
• The guideline was contextualized for the Saudi Arabian healthcare setting.

Main Results:

• Recommendations cover primary CVD prevention, including risk assessment (genetic, lifestyle, clinical factors, lipid/glucose profiling) and prioritized lifestyle modifications (diet, smoking cessation, exercise, weight management).
• Pharmacologic therapy targets lipids, blood pressure, and glycemic control based on individual risk.
• Secondary prevention strategies include risk stratification, comorbidity management (diabetes, hypertension, CKD), and optimized pharmacotherapy for various CVDs, alongside cardiac rehabilitation and follow-up.

Conclusions:

• The guideline provides an updated, evidence-based framework for the Saudi population.
• It highlights the importance of prevention, lifestyle modification, and optimized pharmacologic management.
• Addresses the increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases in the region.