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Trends in cardiovascular risk profiles
1Director, Sones Catherization Laboratories and Head, Section of Invasive and Interventional Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Heart & Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA. kapadis@ccf.org.
Insights
Coronary artery disease (CAD) patients are younger and more obese, with increasing rates of smoking, hypertension, and diabetes. Aggressive risk factor modification is crucial for improving cardiovascular outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Coronary artery disease (CAD) outcomes have improved over 20 years due to clinical advances.
- Changes in CAD risk factors over two decades are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) over the past 20 years.
- To identify demographic and lifestyle changes in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from nearly 4,000 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
- Comparison of patient demographics and risk factor prevalence over a 20-year period at a tertiary care center.
Main Results:
- Patients presenting with acute STEMI are younger and more obese compared to previous decades.
- Increasing prevalence of smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus observed in STEMI patients.
- Despite improved treatments, risk factor profiles are worsening.
Conclusions:
- Risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) are shifting towards younger, more obese individuals.
- Increasing prevalence of traditional risk factors like smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.
- Enhanced primary and secondary prevention strategies are essential for future cardiovascular health improvements.
Abstract:
Outcomes for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have improved in the past 20 years likely due to advances in clinical care such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, antiplatelet agents, and reduced time to cardiac cauterization procedures. But how have the risk factors for CAD changed in the past 2 decades? Analysis of nearly 4,000 patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at a tertiary care center found that patients presenting with acute STEMI are younger and more obese than in the past. The prevalence of smoking, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus is also increasing. Primary and secondary prevention and aggressive efforts to modify risk factors for CAD is essential for further improvement in cardiovascular outcomes.
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