Primary prevention of coronary artery disease

  • Muhammed Vally University of the Witwatersrand
  • M O E Irhuma University of the Witwatersrand
Keywords: cardiovascular risk factors, primary prevention, aspirin therapy, dyslipidaemia

Abstract

There were an estimated one million deaths from cardiovascular disease in sub-Saharan Africa in 2013. The deaths can in some part be prevented through the control of risk factors for coronary artery disease. The major modifiable risk factors in adults include: smoking, obesity, unhealthy diet, dyslipidaemia, hypertension and diabetes. This article aims to discuss the primary prevention of coronary artery disease through examining the evidence regarding the control of these modifiable risk factors. It also briefly explains a pragmatic approach to the use of aspirin as primary prevention for coronary artery disease which takes into account both the risks and benefits associated with aspirin use.

Author Biographies

Muhammed Vally, University of the Witwatersrand
BPharm (Wits) MPS MSc(Med) Pharmacology Lecturer Division of Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology School of Therapeutic Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences University of Witwatersrand
M O E Irhuma, University of the Witwatersrand
MBBCH, Postgrad Cert. Health Informatics (Leeds), FCCP (CMSA) ACCP, ABCP Lecturer and Clinical Pharmacologist Division of Pharmacology Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology School of Therapeutic Sciences Faculty of Health Sciences University of the Witwatersrand
Issue
Vol 60 No 2: March/April 2018
Section
Review Articles
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