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The new Primary Care and Risk Factor Management (PCRFM) nucleus of the European Association of Preventive Cardiology: A call for action.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Hollander, Monika 
Gibson, Irene 
Kurpas, Donata 
Rutten, Frans 

Abstract

In recent decades, cardiovascular mortality has reduced significantly. Among others, improved treatment options for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and a reduction of smoking since the 1960s have contributed to this decline.1 In many countries, smoking in public areas is prohibited. However, western dietary habits, including foods high in sugar, salt and fat, and lack of exercise are still persistent, leading to obesity, diabetes and hypertension. Yet, despite numerous guidelines on prevention and treatment of CVD with medication and lifestyle management, the incidence of CVD is still increasing in many countries, fuelled by rising obesity levels, sedentary lifestyles and increased longevity.2 In particular in the southern hemisphere CVD is on the increase, with high rates of obesity, diabetes and hypertension.3 Demographics are changing in low and middle income countries, fuelling the rise of chronic diseases and a persistent burden of infectious diseases overwhelming the limited health care resources.4 In western countries survival after CVD events has successfully improved; however, at the price of more patients living with chronic CVDs.5 These developments will lead to an increased demand on healthcare services now and in the years ahead for both the prevention and the management of CVD. The organisation and continuity of care through the various layers of the different national healthcare systems is challenging and calls for close collaboration between hospital specialists, general practitioners (GPs) and other primary care workers in the battle against CVD. GPs are key in identifying patients at risk of CVD and providing individualised, risk stratified preventive care

Description

Keywords

Cardiology, Cardiovascular Diseases, Disease Management, Europe, Humans, Primary Health Care, Risk Factors, Societies, Medical

Journal Title

Eur J Prev Cardiol

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2047-4873
2047-4881

Volume Title

27

Publisher

Oxford University Press (OUP)
Sponsorship
The author(s) received no financial support for the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article