Cases in Vascular Protection: Reducing Risk Factors Case 5: Primary and Secondary Prevention of Stroke

Faculty

Needs Statement

Stroke is a major problem in the United States, with approximately 700,000 individuals experiencing new or recurrent stroke each year. Stroke prevention primarily involves risk factor reduction via lifestyle modifications and often drug therapy to reduce the impact of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia and smoking. The need for safe and effective agents to prevent stroke is high. Pharmacologic management of stroke prevention includes antithrombotic therapy, statins, and antihypertensive agents. Vascular protection is emerging as an important consideration for reducing cerebrovascular risk. Angiotensin II is a key mediator of cerebrovascular dysfunction. This educational program will provide an overview of the cerebrovascular benefits associated with inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Clinicians should follow best practice guidelines to ensure optimal risk reduction leading to a decrease in overall stroke risk and its related morbidity and mortality.

Target Audience

This program is designed to educate primary care physicians, endocrinologists, nephrologists, and cardiologists on the management of cardiovascular disease progression and the long-term benefits associated with optimal treatment plans.

Objectives

1. Describe the relationship between hypertension and stroke, and the role of antihypertensive treatment in preventing stroke;
2. Describe the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system(RAAS), and discuss the mechanisms by which RAAS inhibition may provide vascular protection;
3. Discuss the Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure special considerations for using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for stroke prevention;
4. Review the best available evidence-based treatment options used to provide vascular protection against first and recurrent stroke.

Accreditation

Medicine
This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the Essential Areas and Policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint sponsorship of the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services. The University of Kentucky College of Medicine is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Each physician should claim only those hours of credit actually spent in the educational activity.

The University of Kentucky College of Medicine presents this activity for educational purposes only. Participants are expected to utilize their own expertise and judgment while engaged in the practice of medicine. The content of the presentations is provided solely by presenters who have been selected for presentations because of recognized expertise in their field.

Faculty Disclosure

Dr. Gorelick serves on the speaker’s bureau for Boehringer Ingelheim. He is also a
consultant to Bayer, Johnson & Johnson, Novartis, Pfizer, and TAP. Dr. Ruland serves
on the speaker’s bureau for Boehringer Ingelheim. He also receives research support
from Northstar Neuroscience and is a consultant for Novartis.

Activity Sponsorship

This activity is jointly sponsored by the University of Kentucky and CTI Clinical Trial & Consulting Services. Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from King Pharmaceuticals.