Prevention and practical aspects of triggering of cardiovascular events

The recognition of the peak morning incidence of cardiovascular events and the role of triggering mechanisms can lead to some practical suggestions. For instance, adequate pharmacologic coverage over the full 24-hour period, in particular during the morning period of increased risk, is desirable among individuals taking antihypertensive and anti-ischemic medication. Although the absolute risk of an event occurring following a single exposure to a potential trigger is in general too low to recommend avoidance of the stressor, further research in this area may result in the design of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic means to prevent the trigger from precipitating disease onset.