Coronary artery disease: Primary care and prevention – 4

Previous Prevention of CAD Prevention is classified into primordial, primary and secondary. Primordial prevention is community level intervention to reduce risk factors and mostly not under the purview of the individual physician. Primary prevention is by controlling the risk factors. Non modifiable risk factors for CAD Age, gender, race/ethnicity and genetic predisposition or family history are considered the non modifiable risk factors for CAD. Prevalence of CAD increases as age advances and it is definitely more common in males. A strongly positive family history of premature coronary artery disease increases the risk of CAD. Important modifiable risk factors for CAD Hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, cigarette smoking, obesity and chronic kidney disease are important modifiable risk factors for CAD. Diabetes mellitus is such a strong risk factor that it is even considered as a CAD equivalent by some. In this era of regular dialysis programs, chronic kidney disease seldom die of progressive renal failure, but of CAD. Smoking and CAD Smoking increases the risk of CAD and reduces the life expectancy by 13.2 years in males and 14.5 years in females. Even second hand smoke as received by spouse and children, increases the risk of CAD by 25-30%. Smoking cessation achieves 15% reduction in mortality over 14 years. Heart healthy diet A diet based on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low fat dairy products, poultry, fish, legumes and nuts is recommended. Sodium intake...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Cardiology Source Type: blogs