Primary Prevention of CVD

Question 1

What is CVD and what two ways can blood flow be reduced to tissues?

Answer 1

Umbrella term describing diseases of the heart and blood vessels

Blood clot (thrombosis)
Fat buildup and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)

Question 2

Where does atherosclerosis most commonly occur?

Answer 2

Coronary arteries to heart
Carotid arteries to brain
Peripheral arteries to the legs

Question 3

What are the consequences of atherosclerosis?

Answer 3

• angina
• myocardial infarction
• PVD
• stroke/TIA

Question 4

What is the main assessment tool for CVD and who should be risk assessed for CVD?

Answer 4

QRISK3

40-84 yrs with no CVD history,
<40 yrs with family history of premature disease,
Type 2 diabetes,
QRISK >10%

Question 5

What are the benefits of QRISK3 over QRISK2?

Answer 5

Takes into account a number of populations where QRISK2 would underestimate CV risk:
- people with serious mental health problems
- people on medications that can cause dyslipidaemia
- people with autoimmune disorders
- people already on antihypertensives

Question 6

What would be a healthy/cardioprotective diet?

Answer 6

• reducing consumption of saturated fats
• replacing saturated fats with consumption of mono-unsaturated fats
• 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day
• choosing whole grain varieties of starchy foods
• reduce salt (<6g/day)
• reduce sugar
• reduce alcohol

Question 7

What is not recommended for primary prevention based on a lack of evidence?

Answer 7

Dietary supplements, vitamin supplements, aspirin 75mg daily, some lipid regulating drugs