New approaches to the concept of primary prevention of atherosclerosis

Monique A Ford1, Thomas G Allison, Amir Lerman

  • 1Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.

Insights

Atherosclerosis, a disease of continuous vascular injury and repair, requires early diagnosis and targeted therapies. Novel biomarkers and imaging advance individualized prevention strategies for atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Science
  • Pathology
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Current understanding of atherosclerosis etiology and cardiovascular risk factor mechanisms remains incomplete.
  • Atherosclerosis is characterized as a continuous process of vascular injury and abnormal repair.
  • Conventional approaches often overlook the dynamic stages of disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight novel concepts in atherosclerosis elucidated over the past two decades.
  • To emphasize the importance of targeting diagnosis and treatment to specific disease stages.
  • To advocate for the integration of new biomarkers and imaging for early primary prevention.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent advancements in atherosclerosis research.
  • Analysis of novel biomarkers for early detection of subclinical lesions.
  • Evaluation of advanced imaging techniques for vulnerable plaque assessment.

Main Results:

  • Emerging concepts offer new insights into atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
  • Novel biomarkers and imaging techniques enable earlier detection of atherosclerotic lesions.
  • Individualized risk profiling and therapeutic strategies are becoming feasible.

Conclusions:

  • Atherosclerosis management should encompass all stages, from vascular injury to plaque stabilization.
  • Early detection through novel biomarkers and imaging is crucial for primary prevention.
  • Future prevention strategies must incorporate individualized risk profiles and tailored therapies.

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