Cardiovascular disease prevention: Risk factor modification at the heart of the matter

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) stubbornly retains its reputation as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Deaths from CVD remain alarmingly high and are projected to be an astounding 23 million worldwide in 2030, although overall mortality rates have reduced over recent decades [ 1 , 2 ]. Nonetheless, the burden of CVD remains unchanged, owing to an increasing number of patients surviving into older age with debilitating cardiovascular problems Perhaps this is the more pressing issue, courtesy of the adverse effects on patient quality of life and the tremendous health economic impact. Hence, there is growing emphasis on CVD risk management and prevention, to reduce disease burden After all, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Given that many patients with CVD have associated comorbidities and lifestyle factors that should be addressed, this has also led to the evolution of more holistic or integrated multidisciplinary management approaches to improve patient care [ 5 , 6 ]. Adherence to such an approach has been associated with significant reductions in adverse outcomes, for example, in patients with atrial fibrillation [ 7 , 8 ].