What is an example of a secondary prevention strategy?

Secondary prevention strategies are aimed at early detection and intervention to prevent the progression of a disease or health issue. Screening for hypertension exemplifies this concept, as it involves testing individuals who may not yet exhibit symptoms of high blood pressure. By identifying those at risk early, appropriate interventions can be implemented to prevent more serious health complications, such as heart disease or stroke.

Vaccination against infectious diseases is classified as primary prevention, which focuses on preventing diseases before they occur. Providing education on healthy lifestyle choices also falls under primary prevention, as it promotes behaviors that can prevent disease from developing in the first place. Treatment of existing diseases is categorized as tertiary prevention, which involves managing and reducing the impact of ongoing illness and disease. These distinctions highlight the role of screening in the early detection and management of health conditions, thus supporting the importance of secondary prevention strategies.