Managing Risk

Guidelines for the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) recognise that a multifactorial approach is required.^1-5 Individual CV risk factors need to be addressed within a global framework that includes lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions based on other co-existing risk factors.¹

Lifestyle Changes

• Smoking cessation
• Eating healthy diet
• Maintaining a body mass index between 18.5 kg/m2 and 24.9 kg/m2
• Increase physical activity Moderate consumption of alcohol

Pharmacological Interventions

• Maintain good blood glucose control using anti-diabetic medications (e.g. sulphonylureas, insulin)
• Lower blood pressure to recommended targets using effective antihypertensive medications (e.g. ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers)
• Lower cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides to agreed targets; raise high-density lipoprotein cholesterol

References