Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
primary prevention
Interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease in individuals without established disease.
Full Definition
Primary prevention encompasses strategies aimed at preventing the initial occurrence of cardiovascular disease in individuals who have not yet experienced a cardiovascular event. This includes lifestyle modifications, risk factor management, and pharmacological interventions such as statin therapy, antihypertensive medications, and antiplatelet therapy in appropriate patients. The goal is to reduce cardiovascular risk before clinical disease manifests.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish clearly from secondary prevention in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The primary prevention guidelines recommend statin therapy for patients with 10-year ASCVD risk ≥7.5%." — Treatment protocol
- "Primary prevention strategies focus on modifiable risk factors before cardiovascular events occur." — Educational material
Also known as
1° prevention
Contrasted with
secondary prevention
Don't confuse with
secondary prevention
tertiary prevention