Recent research by the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) suggests that young individuals are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of high cholesterol and elevated blood pressure, two major risk factors for atherosclerosis.
Published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, these findings emphasize the importance of early intervention and aggressive control of these cardiovascular risk factors.
Early Detection and Aggressive Control
The study, co-led by Dr. Valentín Fuster and Dr. Borja Ibáñez, highlights the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in younger populations.
This condition often develops silently in middle age, especially when LDL-cholesterol levels and blood pressure are moderately high.
The research advocates for an early screening of subclinical atherosclerosis and robust management of risk factors to diminish the global impact of cardiovascular diseases.
Key Insights from the PESA-CNIC-Santander Study
The PESA-CNIC-Santander study, initiated in 2009, is a collaborative project between CNIC and Santander Bank.
It involves over 4,000 asymptomatic middle-aged employees from Santander Bank who underwent comprehensive, non-invasive cardiovascular assessments. This pioneering study has significantly contributed to the understanding of cardiovascular health.
The study underscores the need for personalized medicine in cardiovascular prevention. It suggests using imaging technology to monitor silent atherosclerosis and adjust the intensity of risk-factor control accordingly.
Dr. Borja Ibáñez emphasizes the potential of personalized strategies to track and manage the progression of atherosclerosis.
An intriguing revelation from the study is the possibility of reversing atherosclerosis if risk factors are managed early in life.
Cardiologist Guiomar Mendieta, the first author of the study, remarks that the comprehensive data collection over six years, coupled with innovative statistical analysis, has led to this significant finding.
Conclusion: Younger Individuals at Higher Risk
The CNIC study provides critical insights into the heightened susceptibility of younger people to atherosclerosis due to elevated cholesterol and hypertension.
It advocates for a paradigm shift in primary prevention strategies, focusing on early detection and aggressive management of cardiovascular risk factors to prevent the progression of silent atherosclerosis and reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases globally.
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The research findings can be found in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
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