CV disease is the single leading cause of death in the United States. Multiple risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and dyslipidemia contribute to the development of CVD. The pathophysiology of these risk factors are intertwined, as evidenced by the fact that the majority of patients often present with multiple risk factors. Early monitoring and treatment of risk factors have resulted in significant reductions in morbidity and mortality. However, the number of CV deaths continues to increase, prompted by the rising incidence of the risk factors overall. Multiple large controlled clinical studies demonstrate that even when therapeutic goals are reached, the majority of patients still experience CV events. Increased awareness is needed that patients continue to be at high risk for an event despite being treated to goal. The role of targeted RAAS blockade is being explored as not only a method of lowering blood pressure, but also for potential nonblood pressure lowering effects, which would result in further reducing cardiovascular risk. Ongoing trials will clarify which patients are at high risk for a CV event and the different approaches needed to treat these patients appropriately.

The estimated time to complete this activity is 2 hours.

Peter Libby, MD, Chair
Mallinckrodt Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Chief, Cardiovascular Division
Department of Medicine
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

George L. Bakris, MD
Professor of Preventive Medicine and Internal Medicine
Director, Hypertension/Clinical Research Center
Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, Illinois

David G. Harrison, MD
Professor of Medicine
Emory University School of Medicine
Staff Physician
Emory Hospital
Atlanta, Georgia

Marc A. Pfeffer, MD, PhD
Professor of Medicine
Harvard Medical School
Senior Physician, Cardiology Division
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts

After participating in this educational activity, participants should be able to do the following:

• Recognize specific populations at high risk for CV disease
• Explain the pathophysiology of multiple risk factors in the development of CV disease
• Detail the role of targeted RAAS blockade in CV risk reduction
• Describe the potential of CV risk reduction in treating hypertension and potential non-blood pressure lowering effects of antihypertensive agents

This continuing medical education (CME) activity will be of value to cardiologists and physicians who manage patients at high risk for CV events.

The Academy for Healthcare Education, Inc., is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.