Lesson 1Adapting communication and plans for low-literacy, low-income patients: teach-back, pictorial aids, low-cost medication choicesThis section shows adapting counselling and plans for low-literacy, low-income patients using teach-back, pictures, simple regimens, affordable medicines, and culturally apt communication methods.
Assessing literacy and financial barriersUsing teach-back to confirm understandingPictorial and color-coded medication aidsChoosing effective low-cost drug optionsSimplifying dosing schedules and refillsCulturally sensitive communication skillsLesson 2Statin therapy and lipid targets: risk-stratified thresholds for starting statins and monitoringThis section discusses statin use via risk thresholds, intensity choices, LDL-C goals, baseline and follow-up tests, symptom handling, and adherence tips for high-risk Indian cardiovascular patients.
Estimating ASCVD risk in primary preventionThresholds to start moderate vs high-intensity statinsLDL-C targets for primary and secondary preventionBaseline labs and follow-up lipid monitoringManaging statin intolerance and myalgiasImproving adherence and shared decisionsLesson 3Lifestyle interventions: evidence-based dietary patterns (DASH, Mediterranean), portion and sodium targets, practical low-cost adaptationsThis section explores lifestyle changes for cardiovascular prevention, focusing on DASH and Mediterranean diets, sodium and portion limits, label checks, and affordable tweaks for Indian food habits.
Core principles of DASH and Mediterranean dietsSetting sodium and portion size targetsLow-cost substitutions for staple foodsCounseling on cooking methods and oilsReading food labels and hidden sodiumAdapting plans to cultural food patternsLesson 4Physical activity prescriptions: intensity, duration, step-counts, home-based exercises for low-resource patientsThis section guides safe, effective exercise prescriptions, covering aerobic and strength training, step targets, and easy home routines for low-resource patients with diverse fitness levels.
Assessing baseline activity and functional capacityPrescribing aerobic intensity using METs and RPESetting weekly duration and frequency targetsStep-count goals and use of simple trackersDesigning home-based programs for low resourcesSafety screening and red-flag symptomsLesson 5Glycemic management for cardiovascular prevention: thresholds for metformin and glycemic targets relevant to CVD riskThis section reviews blood sugar control for cardiovascular prevention, stressing metformin thresholds, custom A1c goals, CVD-beneficial drugs, and links with lifestyle and BP management.
Screening for diabetes and prediabetesWhen to start metformin for CVD preventionIndividualizing A1c targets by comorbidityAgents with proven cardiovascular benefitAvoiding hypoglycemia in high-risk patientsIntegrating glucose, BP, and lipid controlLesson 6Use of aspirin and antiplatelet therapy: primary vs secondary prevention guidance and contraindicationsThis section clarifies aspirin and antiplatelet use for primary vs secondary prevention, covering doses, duration, bleeding risks, contraindications, and coordination with other blood thinners.
Evidence for aspirin in primary preventionSecondary prevention indications after MI or strokeDual antiplatelet therapy indications and durationAssessing bleeding risk and contraindicationsManaging therapy with anticoagulant overlapPatient counseling on adherence and safetyLesson 7Alcohol, sleep, and stress management: brief interventions and local resourcesThis section tackles alcohol, sleep, and stress as cardiovascular risks, with quick screening, counselling, behaviour tips, and referrals to local or online support in India.
Screening for unhealthy alcohol useBrief alcohol interventions and limitsAssessing sleep duration and sleep disordersSleep hygiene strategies for CVD patientsStress assessment and basic coping skillsLinking patients to local and online resourcesLesson 8Tobacco cessation strategies: brief advice, pharmacotherapy indications (NRT, bupropion, varenicline), counseling workflowsThis section outlines tobacco quitting care, including brief advice, drug choices and doses, counselling steps, relapse prevention, and tweaks for low-literacy or resource-poor patients.
Ask–Advise–Assist brief intervention stepsIndications and dosing for NRT productsUsing bupropion and varenicline safelyBehavioral counseling and quit planningManaging withdrawal and relapse preventionAdapting support for low-resource patientsLesson 9Secondary prevention after MI/stroke: dual antiplatelet duration, high-intensity statin, BP and glycemic targets, cardiac rehab referralThis section details post-MI or stroke secondary prevention, covering dual antiplatelets duration, high-dose statins, BP and sugar goals, rehab referrals, and long-term adherence plans.
Core medication bundle after MI or strokeDual antiplatelet therapy duration choicesHigh-intensity statin use and LDL-C goalsBlood pressure and glycemic targets post-eventCardiac rehab referral and program elementsCoordinating follow-up and adherence supportLesson 10Pharmacologic prevention: antihypertensive initiation and titration protocols, first-line drug classes and combinationsThis section explains hypertension drug prevention, start timing, first-line classes, combos, titration, side effect checks, and adjustments for low-resource Indian settings.
Confirming diagnosis and baseline BP profileThresholds to start antihypertensive therapyChoosing first-line drug classes and dosesStepwise titration and combination therapyMonitoring labs and adverse effectsSimplifying regimens for low-cost access
