Contemporary outcomes studies to identify and mitigate the risk in patients with premature cardiovascular disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Preventive Cardiology

Background:

• Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading global cause of mortality.
• While overall ASCVD mortality has decreased, younger populations have not seen similar improvements.
• Premature ASCVD poses a significant and growing challenge in healthcare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on premature ASCVD.
• To identify and analyze risk factors specific to younger patients with ASCVD.
• To provide clinical insights for managing this demographic.

Main Methods:

• Literature search for studies on premature ASCVD.
• Definition of premature ASCVD: ischemic heart disease (IHD), ischemic cerebrovascular disease (ICVD), or peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in men ≤55 years and women ≤65 years.
• Synthesis of findings on risk factors and management strategies.

Main Results:

• Premature ASCVD patients frequently exhibit multiple traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
• Genetic predispositions and non-traditional factors like substance abuse and chronic inflammation are also implicated.
• Effective identification and management of at-risk younger individuals remain challenging for clinicians.

Conclusions:

• Aggressive control of traditional risk factors is essential in younger ASCVD patients.
• Optimization of primary and secondary prevention strategies is critical.
• Lifestyle modifications are imperative to reduce disability and costs associated with premature atherosclerosis.