Principles of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are common in the general population. Although mortality from cardiovascular diseases has fallen substantially over the 30 years, it still remains the most important cause of death in adults. The majority of known risk factors for these diseases are modifiable by specific preventive measures. Preventive measures as smoking cessation, control of blood sugar, weight loss, control of the blood pressure, high consumption of fruit and vegetables and increasing the physical activity may reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. The objectives of cardiovascular prevention are to reduce mortality and morbidity in those at high absolute risk and assist those at low absolute risk to maintain this state.