Post-MI prophylaxis with beta-blockers and aspirin exemplifies which type of prevention?

Post-MI prophylaxis with beta-blockers and aspirin exemplifies which type of prevention?

• A. Antibiotics
• B. Beta-blockers and aspirin
• C. Antihistamines
• D. Antidepressants

Answer: (B)

This illustrates secondary prevention. After an MI, the goal is to prevent a recurrent event in someone with established coronary disease. Beta-blockers lower myocardial oxygen demand and reduce arrhythmia risk, while aspirin prevents platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Together, they reduce death and reinfarction, which is the essence of secondary prevention. This differs from primary prevention (preventing disease before it occurs) and tertiary prevention (reducing complications or disability after disease has manifested). The other medications listed aren’t descriptions of prevention types, so they don’t fit this context.

This illustrates secondary prevention. After an MI, the goal is to prevent a recurrent event in someone with established coronary disease. Beta-blockers lower myocardial oxygen demand and reduce arrhythmia risk, while aspirin prevents platelet aggregation and thrombosis. Together, they reduce death and reinfarction, which is the essence of secondary prevention. This differs from primary prevention (preventing disease before it occurs) and tertiary prevention (reducing complications or disability after disease has manifested). The other medications listed aren’t descriptions of prevention types, so they don’t fit this context.