Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant and ever-growing problem in the UK, accounting for nearly one-third of all deaths and leading to significant morbidity. Globally CVD accounts for 31% of mortality, mainly from heart disease and cerebrovascular accident.
The burden of CVD can be ameliorated by careful risk modification and primary prevention is an important priority for all developers of health policy. Strong consensus exists between international guidelines regarding the necessity of smoking cessation, weight optimisation and exercise, although guidelines have slightly different approaches to hypertension and vary considerably regarding their approach to optimal lipid profile, which remains a contentious issue.
