Revisiting secondary prevention in coronary heart disease

Secondary prevention in coronary heart disease is the prevention of occurrence of recurrent coronary events after clinical diagnosis. High level of adherence to secondary prevention interventions, especially aggressive lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy can lead to significant decline in recurrent coronary events. Both international and Indian studies have reported low adherence to such therapies. Evidencebased useful interventions include regular physical activity, yoga, intake of healthy diet, smoking and tobacco use cessation and weight management. Pharmacotherapeutic interventions useful are antiplatelet therapy, target oriented lipid lowering therapy with statins, beta blockers and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors in patients with impaired left ventricular function. Hypertension and diabetes management with control to targets is important. Novel strategies include use of anticoagulants, anti-inflammatory drugs, and triglyceride lowering for residual risk. Physician and patient level interventions using multifaceted educational, socioeconomic and technological innovations are important to promote life-long adherence to these strategies

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) & cardiovascular disease: An Indian perspective.

The role of low grade systemic inflammation as evidenced by elevated high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic vascular disease has been intensely investigated through observational studies and clinical trials in the past two decades. On the basis of evidence that has accrued, hsCRP measurement has been integrated into the Reynolds risk scoring system to predict cardiovascular risk. The JUPITER trial proved the benefit of statins in cardiovascular risk reduction in patients with low grades of systemic inflammation and ‘normal’ cholesterol levels. However, substantial evidence has been generated from western studies. We, therefore, conducted a scoping review for studies done in India with a view to identify gaps in evidence and make further recommendations. Most Indian studies had small sample sizes and short term follow ups. There were no large population based prospective studies where patients were followed up for long periods of time for major cardiovascular end points. An analysis of the hsCRP level from the control arms of case-control studies derived a mean hsCRP value of 1.88 mg/l, which is higher than the western population where values < 1 mg/l are classified as low cardiovascular risk. Further large prospective cohort studies with longer term follow ups are essential before we can make further recommendations to integrate hsCRP into risk prediction models for cardiovascular disease prevention.