Prevention of cardiovascular disease focuses on healthy living (getting exercise and eating a healthy diet) as well as assessing and treating CVD risk factors. Smoking cessation, blood pressure, lipid and glycemic control, as well as reducing endothelial inflammation all improve health and long-term outcomes.
For those with known heart disease secondary prevention is the key and additional therapies may be needed.
Medications can be an important part of treating the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Some of the more common medications are mentioned — most improve health and some improve lifespan.