Premature Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: What Have We Learned Recently?

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Preventive Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) presents unique challenges, with mortality and recurrent events not declining similarly to non-premature ASCVD.
• Young adults exhibit an increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors, contributing to elevated risks for premature ASCVD.
• Non-traditional risk factors, including chronic inflammation, drug use, genetics, and pregnancy complications, are significant in premature ASCVD development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review risk factors contributing to premature ASCVD.
• To identify gaps in medical management for patients with premature ASCVD.
• To explore outcomes and risk prognostication tools for premature ASCVD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
• Analysis of risk factors, medical management, outcomes, and prognostication tools.
• Synthesis of current evidence regarding early-onset ASCVD.

Main Results:

• Premature ASCVD patients, particularly women, receive suboptimal medical management compared to non-premature ASCVD patients.
• Both traditional and non-traditional risk factors play crucial roles in the development and progression of premature ASCVD.
• The population with premature ASCVD remains at high risk for adverse cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to evaluate risk assessment tools for young patients with premature ASCVD.
• Addressing gaps in medical management is critical for improving outcomes in premature ASCVD.
• Understanding diverse risk factors is essential for managing early-onset cardiovascular disease.