The prevention of cardiovascular disease: have we really made progress?

Despite reductions in cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, current evidence suggests that CVD is not being prevented but, rather, is being made less lethal. Evidence-based guidelines have been developed for secondary, primary, and community-based prevention. To improve compliance with secondary prevention guidelines, programs must better organize and monitor care. Primary prevention requires assessment of risk in asymptomatic people, to yield cost-effective benefits. CVD prevention at the societal level should target deleterious behavior in community settings, using effective public health interventions. Policy options that involve multiple preventive approaches offer the best opportunity to minimize the economic and social burdens of CVD.