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| Color-enhanced scanning electron micrograph of a partially occluded, atherosclerotic blood vessel. |
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Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke
Because the majority of causes of cardiovascular disease are known and modifiable, the American Heart Association has integrated a number of guidelines and consensus statements, then established the guidelines noted below for adult patients with no known heart or blood vessel disease.1,2
While these guidelines apply to adults, they can help identify high-risk patients for whom screening and intervention in relatives, including children, could be an important aspect of primary intervention.1 However, these guidelines do not provide specific recommendations for the reduction of cardiovascular risk in children or adolescents. Most importantly, a family-centered approach to primary prevention should be emphasized and the continuing message is that the adoption of healthy life habits remains the foundation of primary prevention.1
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