[Preclinical detection of atherosclerosis]

Several markers of preclinical atherosclerosis are currently available, such as: wall thickening and stiffening and endothelial dysfunction of large peripheral arteries detected by ultrasonography, or coronary calcification detected by ultrafast computed tomography. They reflect the integrated effects over time of multiple risk factors, traditional and emerging, and some of them (wall thickening and coronary calcification) have demonstrated a powerful predictive value as regards subsequent clinical events. Also these markers are invaluable targets for testing the effects of preventive treatments. Their detection should help selecting those asymptomatic subjects at risk for cardiovascular disease in whom prevention is justified.