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Cardiovascular Risk Factor Control and Lifestyle Factors in Young to Middle-Aged Adults with Newly Diagnosed
Michael S Garshick1, Georgeta D Vaidean2,3, Anish Vani2
1Center for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease, New York University Langone Health, New York City, New York, USA, michael.garshick@nyumc.org.
Insights
Younger patients with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) face higher risks from lifestyle factors and stress, not just traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks. Comprehensive risk assessment is crucial for this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention has advanced, yet premature onset remains a concern.
- Identifying early-onset CVD risk factors is critical for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare traditional and lifestyle cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in young to middle-aged patients versus older patients diagnosed with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patients with new obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) diagnosis undergoing coronary intervention.
- Younger group: youngest quartile (n=281, mean age 50). Older group: remaining three quartiles (n=799, mean age 69).
- Obstructive CAD confirmed via angiography.
Main Results:
- Younger patients were more likely to be male, smokers, and have higher BMI.
- They consumed fewer fruits, vegetables, and fish, and had fewer controlled CVD risk factors.
- Higher psychological stress, financial stress, and lower functional capacity were observed in younger patients.
Conclusions:
- Lifestyle factors, beyond traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, are significant in younger populations with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).
- Holistic risk evaluation incorporating lifestyle and psychosocial elements is essential for preventing early-onset CVD.
Background:
While progress in the prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been noted over the past several decades, there are still those who develop CVD earlier in life than others.
Objective:
We investigated traditional and lifestyle CVD risk factors in young to middle-aged patients compared to older ones with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD).
Methods:
A retrospective analysis of patients with a new diagnosis of obstructive CAD undergoing coronary intervention was performed. Young to middle-aged patients were defined as those in the youngest quartile (n = 281, mean age 50 ± 6 years, 81% male) compared to the other three older quartiles combined (n = 799, mean age 69 ± 7.5 years, 71% male). Obstructive CAD was determined by angiography.
Results:
Young to middle-aged patients compared to older ones were more likely to be male (p < 0.01), smokers (21 vs. 9%, p < 0.001), and have a higher body mass index (31 ± 6 vs. 29 ± 6 kg/m2, p < 0.001). Younger patients were less likely to eat fruits, vegetables, and fish and had fewer controlled CVD risk factors (2.7 ± 1.2 vs. 3.0 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). Compared to older patients, higher levels of psychological stress (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4), financial stress (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.3-2.5), and low functional capacity (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.4-4.5) were noted in the young to middle-aged population as well.
Conclusion:
Lifestyle in addition to traditional CVD risk factors should be taken into account when evaluating risk for development of CVD in a younger population.
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