Prevention of recurrent heart attacks and strockes in law and middle income populations: Guidance-based recommendations for policy makers and health professionals

Cardiovascular disease (CVD)-specifically coronary heart disease (CHD) and cerebrovascular disease (CeVD)- is a large and growing problem in low-and middle-income populations. Patients with established CVD are at very high risk of experiencing further, potentially fatal, episodes of disease. Secondary prevention (measures taken to reduce the risk of recurrent vascular events in those with established CVD) is an important and affordable component of the strategy for addressing CVD in low- and middle-income populations. Several components of secondary prevention, including changes in lifestyle, pharmacological treatments and surgical procedures, can substantially reduce the risk of recurrent CVD.