The following advertisement is focused on LDL particle number (LDL-P) testing, a novel new screening method used for assessing LDL. The patient's fasting serum lipid profile and LDL-P levels are as follows:
Given these results combined with the patient's risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the physician discusses lifestyle modifications with the patient and decides to start him on a statin. The treatment of his lipids for the prevention of myocardial infarction is an example of which of the following?
A)Primordial prevention
B)Primary prevention
C)Secondary prevention
D)Tertiary prevention
E)Quaternary prevention

Question

The following advertisement is focused on LDL particle number (LDL-P) testing, a novel new screening method used for assessing LDL. The patient's fasting serum lipid profile and LDL-P levels are as follows:
Given these results combined with the patient's risk factors for cardiovascular disease, the physician discusses lifestyle modifications with the patient and decides to start him on a statin.  The treatment of his lipids for the prevention of myocardial infarction is an example of which of the following?
A)Primordial prevention
B)Primary prevention
C)Secondary prevention
D)Tertiary prevention
E)Quaternary prevention

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Explanation: Preventive medicine strategies are typically described as taking place at the primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary prevention levels. This patient is at high risk for cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction (MI) and requires treatment of his hyperlipidemia to reduce his risk of MI. This represents primary prevention, as it is action that is undertaken before the patient develops MI and is targeted at preventing occurrence of the disease itself. (Choice A) Primordial prevention is defined as the prevention of risk factors themselves. It consists of preventing the conditions in which these factors are observed to develop. For example, many risk factors for cardiovascular disease (eg, obesity, hypertension) have their origins in childhood as this is the time when lifestyles and habits (eg, eating patterns, physical exercise) are formed. With primordial prevention, efforts are directed toward discouraging children from adopting harmful lifestyles. (Choice C) Secondary prevention is defined as an action that attempts to halt the progression of a disease at its initial stage before irreversible pathological changes take place, thus preventing complications. If this patient had existing myocardial ischemia (eg, history of angina, positive stress test), statin use would constitute secondary prevention of MI. (Choice D) Tertiary prevention is used when the disease process has advanced beyond the early stages. It is defined as taking all actions available to limit impairments and disabilities. Examples of tertiary prevention in patients with significant cardiovascular disease include cardiac rehabilitation and revascularization procedures (eg, coronary artery bypass grafting). (Choice E) Quaternary prevention is the set of health activities that mitigate and/or limit the consequences of unnecessary or excessive intervention by the health system. An example of quaternary prevention would be the use of a shared electronic medical record in order to limit unnecessary, repeat cardiac catheterization procedures. Educational objective: Preventive medicine strategies are typically described as taking place at the primordial, primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary prevention levels. Primary prevention is action taken before a patient develops the disease and is targeted at preventing occurrence of the disease itself. Secondary prevention is defined as an action that halts or delays the progression of a disease at its initial stage and prevents complications.

The Following Advertisement Is Focused on LDL Particle Number (LDL-P)