The Questions on Everyone’s Mind: What is and Why Do We Need Preventive Cardiology?

Abstract

Despite being largely preventable, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) continues to be the leading source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. While the past few decades have seen a substantial reduction in ASCVD mortality, much of this is due to significant improvements in treatment of already manifest disease, with its attendant morbidity and impact on quality of life. Moreover, evidence now suggests that ASCVD mortality in the United States has hit a nadir and is likely to start increasing again. It is now time to shift our attention from intervention to prevention. In this review, we explore the tremendous opportunity to define and implement the discipline of preventive cardiology.