These distinctions are useful in concept but blurred in practice. For example, treating hypertension is secondary prevention if considering the condition in its own right but primary prevention if considering stroke, left ventricular failure or renal failure. Stopping smoking is primary prevention of lung cancer but tertiary prevention of existing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
ref: Principles of Ambulatory Med 4e L Randol Barker et al
Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page