Nursing interventions for cardiovascular disease prevention: a narrative review of evidence-based strategies

TL;DR

This review summarizes nursing strategies that help prevent cardiovascular disease by promoting health and managing risk factors.

Contribution

The study synthesizes evidence-based nursing interventions across all levels of cardiovascular disease prevention.

Findings

Nurse-led interventions improve behavioral change and reduce hospital readmissions.

Interventions include health promotion, counseling, and medication adherence support.

Multidisciplinary collaboration and continuity of care enhance intervention effectiveness.

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Nurses play a key role in prevention across all levels of care, from health education to clinical interventions. This narrative review aimed to identify and synthesize evidence-based nursing interventions that contribute to the prevention of CVD.

A structured narrative review was conducted. Bibliographic searches were performed in PubMed, SciELO, CINAHL, and Scopus. Articles published between 2014 and 2024 were included if they focused on nursing interventions related to cardiovascular prevention. The interventions were categorized by level of prevention: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

A total of 23 relevant studies were selected. The review identified a range of effective nursing interventions, such as health promotion, individualized counseling for risk factor modification, cardiac rehabilitation programs, support for medication adherence, and strategies aimed at preventing overtreatment. The literature emphasizes the value of nurse-led interventions in promoting behavioral change, reducing hospital readmissions, and improving quality of life.

This review suggests that nursing interventions play a critical role in cardiovascular disease prevention. Their effectiveness appears to depend on training, multidisciplinary collaboration, and continuity of care. Integrating these strategies into clinical and community practice may contribute to addressing the growing burden of cardiovascular disease.

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