This statement was approved by the Board of Trustees of the American College of Cardiology on March 12,1994. With increasing knowledge concerning the specific roles of the various risk factors in atherosclerotic and thrombotic diseases and vascular dysfunction, strategies aimed at the appropriate detection and modification of these risk factors now demon-strate the potential for slowing the progress of atherosclerosis and even regressing the process.
Recent data suggest an important reduction in adverse clinical sequelae in certain high risk groups.
The results of clinical experiences, clinical trials and published consensus reports establish that outcomes can be improved by promoting favorable life-style behaviors and by treating identified abnormalities. Therefore, this Committee recommends that the College reaffirm and expand its policies regarding prevention of cardiovascular diseases. These actions of the American College of Cardiology serve to define the opportunities and responsibilities of cardiovascular specialists. Copyright 1999 by the American College of Cardiology Published by Elsevier Science Inc.