Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
secondary prevention
Interventions to prevent recurrent cardiovascular events in patients with established disease.
Full Definition
Secondary prevention refers to therapeutic strategies implemented in patients who have already experienced a cardiovascular event or have established cardiovascular disease. These interventions aim to prevent recurrent events and slow disease progression. Secondary prevention typically involves more intensive risk factor modification, including high-intensity statin therapy, antiplatelet agents, ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and beta-blockers as appropriate for the specific cardiovascular condition.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify whether referring to primary or secondary prevention context.
In Context
- "Secondary prevention protocols require high-intensity statin therapy to achieve LDL goals below 70 mg/dL." — Post-MI care plan
- "The secondary prevention clinic provides comprehensive risk factor management for post-event patients." — Program description
Also known as
2° prevention
Contrasted with
primary prevention
Don't confuse with
primary prevention
cardiac rehabilitation