ReviewChallenges in secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: A review of the current practice
Section snippets
The gap between knowledge and clinical implication
Over the past decades, secondary prevention measures have greatly improved and data from over 50 randomized trials and meta-analyses data have demonstrated that such measures reduce cardiovascular risk and event rates, foster healthy behaviours, and promote active lifestyles [1]. The benefits of secondary prevention have been shown to be significant in the contemporary era of early invasive revascularization as they were in the thrombolytic era [2], and 24 European national cardiac societies
Ongoing challenges in secondary prevention
The European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation (EACPR) has tried to identify the problems which obstruct better provision of preventive care and to develop documents that help to links theory into practice. (Table 1)
An evolving cardiology scenario
In general, modern medicine needs to review strategies, settings, and goals since new challenges from changing population demography, increasing clinical complexity and the development of novel technological management are emerging in a context of economic constraints.
Conclusion
The challenges of secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases require further actions, which may be summarised as
- 1.
More investment in preventive measures and facilities.
- 2.
Involvement of the cardiologists in implementing health policies favouring the development of secondary prevention, at the continental level and in each single country.
- 3.
Well designed pathways for the continuity of care
- 4.
Formally shared responsibilities for all professionals involved in the care of cardiac patients, including
Contributorship
The first author (MFP) as guarantor is the main responsible for the overall content.
All authors have contributed with important critical inputs and revision of the manuscript.
Funding
None.
Conflict of interest
None.
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