The ACC's inaugural Fuster Prevention Forum last month is part of the College's longer-term efforts to sharpen the focus on early cardiovascular disease prevention. The first cohort of nearly 50 clinicians was equipped with training and practical tools to drive meaningful change in their communities.

Centered on a life-course approach, the two-day Forum underscored the importance of early risk identification, sustained risk reduction, and coordinated care across clinical and community settings. Sessions also highlighted practical lessons for impact, with faculty providing actionable ways to translate evidence into action.

Among the key takeaways, Jorge Baxter, PhD, reinforced seven guiding principles for community-based prevention: 1) start early; 2) communicate in ways patients understand; 3) incorporate play, interaction and movement; 4) acknowledge the role of environment; 5) take multidimensional approaches; 6) prioritize training; and 6) continuously monitor and adjust interventions.

Neha J. Pagidipati, MD, FACC, also emphasized the importance of theories, models and frameworks in designing programs that are both effective and enduring. "They help keep track of the many components of implementing, evaluating and sustaining an intervention," she said.

Across all discussions, a clear message emerged: prevention succeeds when it becomes embedded in culture, not treated as a standalone project. "Beyond our professional responsibilities, contributions to society are always possible; what matters most is choosing to contribute, whether at a small scale or at a large one," said Valentin Fuster, MD, PhD, MACC.

• Watch a video with Fuster and Baxter about the broader Fuster Heart Movement.
• The Fuster Heart Movement website.

Clinical Topics: Prevention

Keywords: Cardiology Magazine, ACC Publications, CM-Jul-Aug-2026, Primary Prevention