New research from Spain’s National Center for Cardiovascular Research (CNIC) shows that young people are especially at risk from high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
These two conditions are major causes of a disease called atherosclerosis, which clogs the arteries and can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
The study, led by Dr. Valentín Fuster and Dr. Borja Ibáñez, was published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. It calls for early testing and stronger control of these risk factors before they cause serious problems.
Atherosclerosis can start quietly in the body, often without any signs, and may get worse as people reach middle age. The research shows that even slightly high levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” kind) and blood pressure can cause damage over time.
That’s why doctors are now saying we should pay attention to these issues early, even in people who feel healthy.
The study is part of a project called PESA-CNIC-Santander, which began in 2009. It followed over 4,000 employees from Santander Bank who didn’t have any symptoms of heart disease.
These people went through special heart health checks without needing surgery or blood draws. The results helped researchers understand how heart disease develops in real life.
One of the most exciting findings is that if people start managing their cholesterol and blood pressure early, they may be able to reverse some of the damage caused by atherosclerosis. That means it’s not too late to make a difference, especially for younger people.
The research also supports the idea of personalized medicine—where each person gets a treatment plan that fits their unique health needs. Using modern imaging tools, doctors can see early signs of artery problems and decide how strongly to treat the risk factors.
Dr. Borja Ibáñez said that tracking and adjusting treatment based on what’s happening inside the body could help prevent serious heart problems. Cardiologist Guiomar Mendieta, who was the main author of the study, added that six years of data and powerful computer tools made this breakthrough possible.
In short, the study shows that younger people with slightly high cholesterol or blood pressure are not safe from future heart problems. It’s a strong reminder that early action can help prevent serious disease later on. Getting checked early, living a healthy lifestyle, and following a doctor’s advice could make all the difference.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about high blood pressure treatment: ARBs vs. ACE inhibitors and blood pressure response to exercise can predict future heart disease.
For more about blood pressure, please read studies about This daily food is very important for blood pressure and heart health and Common blood pressure medication may have harmful side effects.
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