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Peripheral and cerebral atherothrombosis and cardiovascular events in different vascular territories: insights from

William B Kannel1, Philip A Wolf

  • 1Framingham Heart Study, 73 Mt. Wayte Avenue, Framingham, MA 01702-5827, USA. wkannel@bu.edu

Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|July 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Identifying major risk factors like dyslipidemia and hypertension is key to preventing atherosclerosis. Global risk assessment helps estimate the likelihood of peripheral artery disease and stroke, guiding necessary interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease, influenced by multiple risk factors.
  • Established risk factors such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and smoking significantly contribute to atherosclerosis development.
  • These factors often cluster, necessitating comprehensive risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of major cardiovascular risk factors in atherosclerosis.
  • To emphasize the utility of multivariable risk profiles for peripheral artery disease and stroke.
  • To advocate for improved detection, evaluation, and control of these risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing established risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, glucose intolerance, adiposity, smoking, etc.) and markers of vascular damage (left ventricular hypertrophy, atrial fibrillation).
  • Formulating multivariable risk profiles for peripheral artery disease and stroke.
  • Reviewing the impact of standard cardiovascular risk factors on population-level cardiovascular disease.

Main Results:

  • Standard cardiovascular risk factors account for up to 85% of population-level cardiovascular disease.
  • Multivariable risk profiles aid in estimating the risk of disabling diseases like peripheral artery disease and stroke.
  • Risk factor clustering necessitates global risk assessment for effective management.

Conclusions:

  • Major cardiovascular risk factors are critical targets for prevention strategies.
  • Global risk assessment is essential for identifying individuals at high risk for atherosclerosis-related diseases.
  • Enhanced implementation of prevention guidelines is crucial, especially for high-risk populations.

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