Question

A 55-year-old man attends his GP for a cardiovascular risk assessment. He smokes 10 cigarettes per day, has well-controlled type 2 diabetes, and his blood pressure is 142/88 mmHg. His 5-year absolute cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, calculated with the Aus CVD Risk Calculator, is 12%. According to current Australian CVD risk guidelines, which is the most appropriate next step in management?

Accepted Answer

Commence both blood pressure-lowering and lipid-modifying therapy in addition to lifestyle modification

Answer

Reassure him that his risk is low and repeat absolute risk assessment in 5 years with no pharmacotherapy

Answer

Recommend lifestyle measures only and repeat absolute risk assessment in 2 years

Answer

Commence aspirin alone for primary prevention and review in 12 months

Answer

Commence a statin alone and review blood pressure again in 12 months

Practice question