secondary prevention
Interventions to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with established coronary artery disease.
Full Definition
Secondary prevention encompasses therapeutic interventions designed to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events in patients who have already experienced a cardiovascular event or have established coronary artery disease. This includes patients with prior myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, or documented coronary stenosis. Secondary prevention typically involves more aggressive risk factor modification and medication regimens compared to primary prevention, as these patients are at substantially higher risk for future events. Evidence-based therapies include high-intensity statins, antiplatelet agents, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and beta-blockers.
Usage
Usage note: Always distinguish clearly from primary prevention in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "All patients in the secondary prevention cohort received high-intensity statin therapy." — Clinical trial protocol
- "Secondary prevention guidelines mandate LDL-C targets below 70 mg/dL." — Treatment guideline