Guanting He - Department of Cardiovascular Medicine
Link to Article: https://www.jacc.org/doi/full/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.09.814
Date Published: 28 November 2023
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Atherosclerosis, often a silent precursor to more serious cardiovascular conditions, begins its journey early in life, frequently unnoticed. In the study “Determinants of Progression and Regression of Subclinical Atherosclerosis Over 6 Years,” Guiomar Mendieta and colleagues delve into this elusive phase of the disease. Using advanced 3-dimensional vascular ultrasound (3DVUS) imaging, the research followed 3471 middle-aged, asymptomatic individuals over six years. They found that one-third of the cohort showed progression in subclinical atherosclerosis; notably, younger participants were more affected by factors like high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP) (Mendieta et al., 2023). This finding is pivotal, as it highlights the importance of early detection and intervention in subclinical atherosclerosis, a phase where the disease may still be reversible.
Beyond the study's specific findings, it opens a broader discussion on cardiovascular health and disease prevention. Atherosclerosis, though often asymptomatic in its early stages, is a critical indicator of potential cardiovascular events. Understanding its progression and identifying key factors, such as LDL-C and SBP, are essential in developing targeted prevention strategies. This study underlines the importance of personalized medical approaches, considering individual risk factors and health profiles. In cardiovascular health, as in many other areas of medicine, one size does not fit all.
In conclusion, Mendieta et al.'s (2023) research sheds light on the often-overlooked early stages of atherosclerosis, emphasizing the significance of early, personalized interventions in cardiovascular health. As we progress in our understanding of this silent disease, we move closer to more effective prevention and treatment strategies, potentially saving millions from the clutches of cardiovascular diseases.
Reference
Mendieta, Guiomar, et al. “Determinants of Progression and Regression of Subclinical Atherosclerosis over 6 Years.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, vol. 82, no. 22, 28 Nov. 2023, pp. 2069–2083, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0735109723076295, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2023.09.814. Accessed 21 Nov. 2023.
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