Lesson 1Adapting communication and plans for low-literacy, low-income patients: teach-back, pictorial aids, low-cost medication choicesThis lesson shows how to adjust advice and plans for patients in Namibia with low reading skills or income, using teach-back methods, pictures, simple treatments, cheap medicines, and culturally appropriate talk.
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 lesson discusses when to use statins based on risk levels, choosing strength, LDL-C goals, initial and follow-up tests, handling side effects, and boosting adherence for high-risk patients in Namibia.
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 lesson reviews lifestyle changes for preventing cardiovascular issues in Namibia, stressing DASH and Mediterranean diets, sodium and portion limits, label checks, and budget-friendly tweaks for local foods.
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 lesson guides prescribing safe exercise in Namibia, including aerobic and strength training, step goals, and easy home routines for patients with limited resources and different 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 lesson covers managing blood sugar to lower cardiovascular risks in Namibia, including when to start metformin, personal A1c goals, choosing CVD-proven drugs, and linking with lifestyle and BP control.
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 lesson explains using aspirin and other blood thinners for primary or secondary prevention in Namibia, covering doses, length, bleeding risks, warnings, and combining with other treatments.
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 lesson tackles alcohol, sleep, and stress as cardiovascular risks in Namibia, with quick screening, advice methods, change strategies, and links to local or online support services.
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 lesson outlines organised tobacco quitting support in Namibia, including quick advice, drug choices and doses, counseling steps, relapse prevention, and adjustments for low-literacy 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 lesson focuses on full secondary prevention post-heart attack or stroke in Namibia, including dual blood thinners duration, strong statins, BP and sugar goals, rehab referrals, and long-term adherence.
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 lesson details drug-based hypertension prevention in Namibia, when to begin meds, first-choice classes, combos, step-up protocols, side effect checks, and simple plans for low-resource areas.
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
