Community-Based and Public Health Initiatives Drive Cardiovascular Disease Prevention: A State-of-the-Art Review

Abstract

Background Because of the massive global healthcare burden that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) present, it is critical that effective, highly scalable prevention strategies be identified and implemented to meet this unique health challenge. Purpose The purpose of this review is to analyze and synthesize current research initiatives for CVD prevention at both community-based and practice-based levels. Conclusions This state-of-the-art review article highlights successful intervention strategies and their outcomes, explores the implications for population-based practice, and discusses the importance of long-term behavior change in achieving sustained CVD prevention. The article also discusses the need for building community capacity through engagement and collaboration and advocates for culturally appropriate dissemination strategies to ensure equitable access to new technologies and interventions in CVD prevention. Clinical Implications This review suggests that clinicians and researchers should integrate evidence-based, community-engaged, and culturally tailored strategies into practice and future research to promote long-term behavior change and equitable CVD prevention.