Patient-centered prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes

Abstract

Collectively, cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes are responsible for more than 25 million deaths in the world each year, and millions more live with one or more of these diseases. Much of this disease burden could be prevented, however, by controlling the modifiable risk factors. Although this Review focuses primarily on health-care providers caring for patients with cardiovascular disease, we stress the importance of considering the totality of patients' health. We discuss the common features and risks of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes, and how best to implement practices aimed at prevention. The shared risk factors of tobacco use, physical inactivity, overweight and obesity, and poor nutrition, and their management are discussed. General risk-factor screening recommendations are also outlined and specific screening strategies for the disease states are given. Finally, we discuss the appropriate role of cardiology health-care providers with respect to risks for other chronic conditions and occult disease.