Identification of Broad and Overlapping Risk Factors Key to Primary Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) Prevention

The latest study by the American College of Cardiology revealed that more than 10.5 hours of sedentary behavior during the day, which includes sitting, reclining, or lying down, may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death. Lack of exercise is a known risk factor for CVD, but even those who meet the recommended levels of exercise may be affected by it. In addition, there are several factors that may make a person more vulnerable to contracting CVD. High blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, alcohol consumption, age, and gender are known big factors. However, scientists are also looking at metabolic health including kidney function to see how well the kidneys are working. Hence, prevention of CVD not only includes the main risk factors, but also metabolic health, specifically, the ‘cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome’ as coined by the American Health Association (AHA).

Treatment Advancements

The field of cardiovascular health has been steadily evolving over the years and has seen significant breakthroughs. Precision medicine is one area that has seen improvements. By looking at each patient’s genetic makeup, lifestyle factors, and medical history, doctors can create a specific treatment plan that caters to the needs of an individual. As such, targeted therapies and less invasive treatments may be prescribed, reducing side effects. There are also minimally invasive procedures like angioplasty and stent replacement. The transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is another minimally invasive procedure which is a less risky alternative to open heart surgery for aortic valve replacement. On the other hand, pacemaker placementis a minor surgery that is used to treat heart conditions such as arrhythmia or atrial fibrillation. The device can improve a person’s quality of life, reduce symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath, and even extend life expectancy. Studies show that the average life of patients with biventricular pacemakers can increase between 8-20 years depending on overall health, age, and lifestyle.

Furthermore, advanced imaging techniques such as cardiac computed tomography (CT) scans or cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can provided detailed images of the heart and blood vessels for early diagnosis and treatment planning. There are also emerging technologies applied to wearable devices that can monitor heart rate, blood pressure and other vital signs, helping detect potential problems at an early stage. Moreover, artificial intelligence (AI) power tools can analyze large data to pinpoint patterns and predict cardiovascular events. Significant breakthroughs in the treatment of CVD through medications include PCSK 9 inhibitors that lower cholesterol levels, SGLT 2 inhibitors for diabetes management by lowering blood sugar levels and reducing fluid retention, GLP-1 receptor agonists that regulate appetite and blood sugar levels and antiplatelet drugs to prevent the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Preventive Measures

The set of risk factors for CVD has not changed at all. According to Dr. Nanna of Yale’s School of Medicine, there is, however,  an increased recognition of a ‘broader set of risk factors.’ With emerging treatments on the rise, cholesterol and blood pressure are better managed while the decline in smoking also helps control the threats of CVD. Unfortunately, metabolic conditions such as obesity, weight problems, diabetes, and kidney diseases can promote the dangers of CVD. These conditions  may lead to plaque buildup reducing the existing space for blood to flow. Eventually, the plaques break, or block/ disrupt blood flow to the brain or heart causing a heart attack or stroke.

Thus, doctors recognize that the risk factors overlap and therefore, a new risk calculator called PREVENT was developed to include factors like body mass index and glomerular filtration rate, the latter providing info on how well the kidneys work. The results will help and guide clinicians and healthcare professionals to prescribe interventions including lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapies to prevent CVD. Note that the risk calculator is only applicable to patients without atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ACVD) or heart failure.

While updated therapies and treatment are available to improve cardiovascular health, there is a need to get a full picture of an individual’s susceptibility to CVD. A comprehensive risk assessment that includes blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney function, and weight can predict if an individual is susceptible to get the disease or not and accordingly, prescribe a prevention plan.

Joshua White is a passionate and experienced website article writer with a keen eye for detail and a knack for crafting engaging content. With a background in journalism and digital marketing, Joshua brings a unique perspective to his writing, ensuring that each piece resonates with readers. His dedication to delivering high-quality, informative, and captivating articles has earned him a reputation for excellence in the industry. When he’s not writing, Joshua enjoys exploring new topics and staying up-to-date with the latest trends in content creation.

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