Cardiovascular risk prevention Flashcards
What does cardiovascular disease (CVD) describe?
A group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels caused by atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
Define atherosclerosis.
A condition where there is an accumulation of fatty deposits (plaques) inside an artery, causing it to harden and narrow, restricting blood flow.
List cardiovascular conditions caused by atherosclerosis.
- Coronary heart disease
- Stroke
- Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Aortic disease
What percentage of all deaths in the UK is CVD responsible for?
Almost a quarter.
What are the non-modifiable risk factors for CVD?
- Age
- Gender
- Family history of CVD
- Ethnic background
Which gender has a higher risk of developing CVD?
Men.
What are the modifiable risk factors for CVD?
- Smoking
- Low HDL cholesterol
- High non-HDL cholesterol
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Unhealthy diet
- Excess alcohol intake
- Overweight and obesity
List comorbidities that can increase the risk of developing CVD.
- Hypertension
- Diabetes mellitus
- Chronic kidney disease
- Dyslipidaemia
- Atrial fibrillation
- Inflammatory disorders
- Serious mental health problems
- Periodontitis
- History of premature menopause
True or False: Socioeconomic status affects the risk of death from CVD.
True.
What is the Health Check Programme in England?
A program inviting individuals aged 40-74 for free health checks every 5 years if they have not been diagnosed with CVD, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.
What lifestyle advice should be given to individuals who have had a CVD risk assessment?
- Smoking cessation
- Weight loss if overweight or obese
- Healthy diet
- Alcohol consumption within recommended limits
- Physical activity
What tool is used to assess a person’s 10-year CVD risk?
QRISK assessment tool.
What does a QRISK score of 20% indicate?
A 20 in 100 chance of developing CVD within 10 years.
What should be considered for individuals with a QRISK score less than 10%?
Further reductions in CVD risk can often still be achieved through lifestyle changes.
What is the primary prevention of CVD focused on?
Lifestyle modifications and optimizing management of modifiable risk factors.
Is antiplatelet therapy routinely recommended for primary prevention of CVD?
No.
What is the recommended statin for primary prevention of CVD in high-risk patients?
Atorvastatin 20 mg a day.
What is the first choice antiplatelet medication for secondary prevention of CVD?
Low-dose daily aspirin.
What type of therapy should be offered to patients with established CVD and sustained elevated blood pressure?
Antihypertensive therapy.
What is the recommended lipid-lowering drug of choice for secondary prevention of CVD?
Statin.
What should be checked 3 months after starting treatment with a high-intensity statin?
Total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and non-HDL-cholesterol concentrations.
What is recommended for patients with established CVD who are intolerant to three different statins?
Seek specialist advice regarding treatment options.
What is icosapent ethyl recommended for?
In combination with a statin for patients with established CVD and elevated triglyceride levels.
What does NICE recommend for primary hypercholesterolaemia as monotherapy, when statins are not suitable?
Ezetimibe.
