A new paradigm of cardiovascular risk factor modification

Muhammad Firdaus¹, Jeffery M Asbury², Dwight W Reynolds²

¹Donald W Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA; ²Department of Medicine, Cardiovascular Section, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, USA

Abstract: Atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. While multiple studies have demonstrated that modification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factors (CVRFs) significantly reduces morbidity and mortality rates, clinical control of CVDs and CVRFs remains poor. By 2010, the American Heart Association seeks to reduce coronary heart disease, stroke, and risk by 25%. To meet this goal, clinical practitioners must establish new treatment paradigms for CVDs and CVRFs. This paper discusses one such treatment model – a comprehensive atherosclerosis program run by physician extenders (under physician supervision), which incorporates evidence-based CVD and CVRF interventions to achieve treatment goals.

Keywords: atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk factors, prevention, modification