Prevention of cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide and creates significant healthcare and economic burdens. Early detection and preventive strategies are important as more than 80% of deaths from cardiovascular disease are due to modifiable risk factors. The NHS health check provides an opportunity to screen for risk factors and risk assessment tools help to identify individuals at higher risk. Lifestyle modifications, including diet, exercise, alcohol and smoking cessation, play an important role in the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Statins, as well as early diagnosis and optimum management of hypertension and diabetes, are paramount. This article will consider the prevention of cardiovascular disease in more detail.