Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis
07:51

Hydra, a Computer-Based Platform for Aiding Clinicians in Cardiovascular Analysis and Diagnosis

Published on: September 26, 2018

8.2K

Cardiovascular risk factor control is insufficient in young patients with coronary artery disease

Morten Krogh Christiansen1, Jesper Møller Jensen1, Anders Krogh Brøndberg1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.

Vascular Health and Risk Management
|June 17, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Young patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) often have uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors like overweight and high cholesterol. Improving risk factor management is crucial for secondary prevention in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Preventive Medicine
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Secondary prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD) is vital, yet risk factor control in young patients (<40 years) is not well-understood.
  • This study investigates the prevalence and control of cardiovascular risk factors in a cohort of young individuals with established CAD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the achievement of treatment targets for cardiovascular risk factors in patients diagnosed with CAD before the age of 40.
  • To identify common modifiable risk factors that remain inadequately controlled in this young patient group.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional, single-center study included 143 patients with CAD diagnosed before age 40.
  • Data collected included family history, lifestyle factors (physical activity, smoking), anthropometrics, blood pressure, lipid profiles, metabolic status, and current medications.
  • Risk factor control was assessed against European Society of Cardiology guidelines.

Main Results:

  • Overweight (79.0%), elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (57.9%), low physical activity (54.6%), hypertriglyceridemia (46.9%), and current smoking (37.1%) were the most prevalent uncontrolled risk factors.
  • Nearly half of the patients met the criteria for metabolic syndrome.
  • A median of 2 uncontrolled modifiable risk factors was observed, with only 4.9% achieving all targets.

Conclusions:

  • Young patients with CAD exhibit a significant potential for improving their cardiovascular risk profiles.
  • Targeted interventions focusing on lifestyle modifications and optimal medical therapy are needed to enhance secondary prevention in this demographic.
Abstract

Keywords:
cardiovascular diseases/prevention and controlcoronary artery diseasehealth behaviormiddle agedrisk factorsyoung adult

Related Concept Videos

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
817
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
569
Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care01:27

Coronary Artery Disease V: Interprofessional Care

Interprofessional care for coronary artery disease includes pharmacological therapy and revascularization procedures.Pharmacological therapy for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) aims to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and improve patient outcomes through various classes of medications:Antiplatelet Agents:Aspirin and Clopidogrel: These medications inhibit platelet aggregation, preventing blood clots, which is crucial for avoiding heart attacks and strokes. Doctors often prescribe these...
377
Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management01:21

Rheumatic Heart Disease III: Medical Management

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) management can be divided into two main strategies: prevention and long-term management.Primary PreventionPrimary prevention focuses on timely diagnosis and management of group A streptococcal pharyngitis to prevent acute rheumatic fever. The most widely used antibiotic for treating this condition is intramuscular benzathine penicillin G.Acute Rheumatic Fever TreatmentThe primary treatment goal for a patient diagnosed with acute rheumatic fever is to suppress the...
470
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.5K
Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy01:29

Cardiomyopathy III: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by asymmetric left ventricular hypertrophy without ventricular dilation. It is more common in men and is typically diagnosed in young, athletic adults.EtiologyHCM is primarily genetic and is caused by mutations in genes encoding sarcomeric proteins. Researchers have identified over 1400 mutations across at least 11 different genes. Among these, the most frequently occurring mutations are found in the...
640