In the United States, cardiovascular diseases, which include coronary heart disease, stroke, heart failure, and peripheral artery disease, are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the adult population. Major risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, obesity, and cigarette smoking have been established as the leading causes for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. When these cardiovascular risk factors accumulate, the probability of having a cardiovascular event increases. Implementing steps to evaluate and initiate preventive measures to control modifiable risk factors is very beneficial in reducing the risk of developing cardiovascular events. This presentation will review these cardiovascular risk factors, explain how to assess and manage them, and summarize the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention.

Educational Objectives

• Review processes for assessing cardiovascular risk factors
• List preventive measures that reduce the risk of cardiovascular events
• Summarize treatment options for patients with cardiovascular risk factors

Level Basic