Guidelines on cardiovascular risk assessment and management

Cardiovascular disease is the major cause of premature death in most European populations. The underlying pathology is usually atherosclerosis. Cardiovascular disease is closely related to lifestyle and modifiable physiological factors, and risk factor modification has been shown to reduce cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The current joint European Guidelines differ from previous ones in that the emphasis has moved from coronary heart disease prevention to cardiovascular disease prevention. The Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation system is recommended to assess an individual's total cardiovascular risk. The guidelines define priorities for intervention and address lifestyle change and management of major cardiovascular risk factors to reduce cardiovascular events. Reduction of overweight and obesity is an important component in reducing cardiovascular risk.