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Prevention of myocardial infarction
Author(s) -
Adams M. R.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
internal medicine journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.596
H-Index - 70
eISSN - 1445-5994
pISSN - 1444-0903
DOI - 10.1046/j.1445-5994.2002.00301.x
Subject(s) - medicine , myocardial infarction , coronary artery disease , intensive care medicine , psychological intervention , magnetic resonance imaging , disease , risk assessment , secondary prevention , cardiology , radiology , computer security , psychiatry , computer science
Despite the rapid advances that have been made in the treatment of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction remains the major cause of death in the developed world and a growing problem for developing countries. To address this growing problem, a strategy aimed at prevention of events in high‐risk individuals is required. This involves assessment of cardiovascular risk followed by risk reduction. At present there is no perfect technique available for risk prediction, although computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging scanning, along with serum markers of inflammation, offer the greatest potential. The applicability of these techniques at present is also limited by cost and accessibility. Risk reduction is possible through lifestyle changes and drug therapy, and effective risk assessment is essential in selecting those most likely to benefit from these interventions. (Intern Med J 2002; 32: 595−600)