[Preclinical detection of atherosclerosis]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular medicine
• Diagnostic imaging
• Preventive cardiology

Background:

• Preclinical atherosclerosis markers are crucial for risk stratification.
• Current markers include arterial wall changes and coronary calcification.
• These markers integrate the effects of various cardiovascular risk factors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review available markers for preclinical atherosclerosis.
• To highlight their predictive value for clinical events.
• To emphasize their role in guiding preventive strategies.

Main Methods:

• Ultrasonography for large peripheral artery wall thickening, stiffening, and endothelial dysfunction.
• Ultrafast computed tomography for coronary calcification detection.
• Review of existing literature on atherosclerosis markers.

Main Results:

• Arterial wall thickening and coronary calcification show strong predictive value for cardiovascular events.
• These markers reflect cumulative exposure to cardiovascular risk factors.
• Ultrasonography and computed tomography are key imaging modalities.

Conclusions:

• Markers of preclinical atherosclerosis are valuable for identifying at-risk asymptomatic individuals.
• Detection of these markers aids in selecting subjects who would benefit from preventive interventions.
• These markers serve as important targets for evaluating preventive treatments.