Update in cardiology: Vascular risk and cardiac rehabilitation

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of premature death globally.
• Despite guidelines, many patients fail to meet lifestyle, risk factor, and therapeutic targets for ASCVD prevention.
• This highlights a critical gap in primary and secondary prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an update on the latest advancements in ASCVD risk classification and estimation.
• To document recent changes and novelties in key areas of cardiovascular prevention.
• To incorporate findings from experimental trials and observational studies into current recommendations.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent experimental trials.
• Analysis of population-based observational studies.
• Synthesis of novelties in risk assessment and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Updated risk stratification models for ASCVD.
• Latest evidence on lifestyle modifications including smoking cessation, diet, nutrition, and physical activity.
• Current recommendations for managing lipids, hypertension, and diabetes in cardiovascular prevention.
• Recent developments in cardiovascular rehabilitation protocols.

Conclusions:

• Achieving recommended targets for ASCVD prevention remains a challenge.
• Continuous updates in risk assessment and management are crucial for effective prevention.
• Integrating new evidence into clinical practice is essential to reduce the burden of premature cardiovascular death.