primary prevention
Interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease in patients without established coronary artery disease.
Full Definition
Primary prevention refers to therapeutic interventions aimed at preventing the initial occurrence of cardiovascular disease in patients who have not yet experienced a cardiovascular event. This includes risk factor modification through lifestyle changes and medications in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia but no history of myocardial infarction, stroke, or peripheral arterial disease. Primary prevention strategies focus on risk assessment using tools like the Pooled Cohort Equations and implementing evidence-based therapies based on calculated risk thresholds.
Usage
Usage note: Always distinguish clearly from secondary prevention in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient qualifies for primary prevention statin therapy based on his 10-year ASCVD risk of 12%." — Risk assessment
- "Primary prevention guidelines recommend lifestyle modification as first-line therapy." — Treatment protocol