As the document manager for the ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, Avalere:

• Facilitated all deliberations of the expert Writing Committee members convened to develop the guidance
• Led the modified Delphi process for establishing recommendations
• Oversaw the drafting of the guideline

The 2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease is a comprehensive yet concise compilation of practical guidance for clinicians on the primary prevention of CVD in adults (≥18 years of age), focused on outcomes of atherosclerotic disease (ASCVD) (i.e., acute coronary syndromes, myocardial infarction, stable or unstable angina, arterial revascularization, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or peripheral arterial disease of atherosclerotic origin) as well as heart failure and atrial fibrillation.

The guideline includes evidence-based recommendations for the following 10 topics:

1. Patient-Centered Approaches to Comprehensive ASCVD Prevention
2. Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk
3. Nutrition and Diet
4. Exercise and Physical Activity
5. Adults with Overweight and Obesity
6. Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
7. Adults with High Blood Cholesterol
8. Adults with High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
9. Treatment of Tobacco Use
10. Aspirin Use

This guideline also includes commentary regarding cost and value considerations for primary prevention. Furthermore, it provides an innovative patient-centered approach to primary prevention of ASCVD, including recommendations for team-based care, shared decision-making, and assessment of social determinants of health.

ACC/AHA released this guideline on March 17, 2019, at the ACC.19 Scientific Session. The guideline is available for download.

To learn more about Avalere’s work in the clinical practice guideline space, connect with us.