Prevent India 2011 was the third annual 2-day conference on cardiovascular health promotion organised by the Medwin Heart Foundation, Hyderabad, India. It convened health experts, from 8 countries in 4 continents, to share information and insights on cardiovascular risk prevention and promotion of health and well-being. Presentations and discussions explored topics ranging from birth weight and early-life obesity, prehistoric dietary patterns, and ethnic differences in vulnerability to cardiovascular disease risk factors, to urbanization, junk foods, exercise, and updated guidelines for resuscitation and medication. Panel discussions delved into the pros and cons of large scale and targeted interventions across the world, such as mass screening for cardiovascular risks, and worksite health promotion programmes.

Successful population health interventions were deliberated, and the need for contextualizing interventions in socio-political settings, as well as tailoring programmes to the biological and cultural characteristics of the target populations was highlighted. Greater attention to primordial and primary care was articulated as an urgent requirement in public health. In addition, the imperative for a focus on promoting health and well-being, rather than solely tackling disease was voiced. Lively debates provided numerous inputs to designs for future programmes. The role of policy and the development of health-promoting environments, in addition to awareness-raising was emphasized throughout the conference.