Lesson 1Adapting communication and plans for low-literacy, low-income patients: teach-back, pictorial aids, low-cost medication choicesThis lesson shows adapting counselling and plans for low-literacy, low-income patients using teach-back, visual aids, simple regimens, affordable drugs, and culturally appropriate communication in multicultural settings.
Assessing literacy and financial barriersUsing teach-back to confirm understandingPictorial and colour-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 statin use based on risk thresholds, intensity choices, LDL-C goals, initial and follow-up tests, handling side effects, and boosting adherence for high-risk patients in primary care.
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 explores lifestyle changes for cardiovascular prevention, focusing on DASH and Mediterranean diets, sodium and portion goals, label reading, and budget-friendly tweaks for local food cultures.
Core principles of DASH and Mediterranean dietsSetting sodium and portion size targetsLow-cost substitutions for staple foodsCounselling 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, effective exercise, including aerobic and strength training, step targets, and easy home routines for patients with limited resources and varying health conditions.
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 reviews blood sugar control for reducing cardiovascular risk, emphasising metformin start points, personalised A1c goals, drugs with CVD benefits, and linking with lifestyle and BP management.
Screening for diabetes and prediabetesWhen to start metformin for CVD preventionIndividualising A1c targets by comorbidityAgents with proven cardiovascular benefitAvoiding hypoglycaemia in high-risk patientsIntegrating glucose, BP, and lipid controlLesson 6Use of aspirin and antiplatelet therapy: primary vs secondary prevention guidance and contraindicationsThis lesson clarifies aspirin and antiplatelet use for primary versus secondary prevention, including doses, duration, bleeding risks, contraindications, and integration 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 counselling on adherence and safetyLesson 7Alcohol, sleep, and stress management: brief interventions and local resourcesThis lesson tackles alcohol, sleep, and stress as cardiovascular risk factors, covering quick screening, counselling, behaviour strategies, and referrals to local or online support in Singapore.
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), counselling workflowsThis lesson outlines tobacco quitting support, including brief advice, drug options like NRT, bupropion, varenicline, counselling steps, relapse prevention, and adjustments for low-resource patients.
Ask–Advise–Assist brief intervention stepsIndications and dosing for NRT productsUsing bupropion and varenicline safelyBehavioural counselling 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 addresses post-MI or stroke secondary prevention, covering dual antiplatelets, 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 lesson details hypertension drug prevention, including start timing, first-line classes, combinations, titration, side effect monitoring, and simplifications for affordable access.
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
